Students received an unusual visual as they walked into their ag classes last week, Jan. 29. FFA advisor Chad Saunders had an informational hands-on lesson ready for the Small Animal and Wildlife classes that strayed from the normal classroom lecture. South Texas Herpetological Association member Blaine Eaton from Devine Reptile Rescue provided students with a display of 27 snakes and an interesting presentation; in fact, some students even had the chance to hold the slithery snakes themselves.

“It was beneficial to the students, especially since my Small Animal classes just finished studying the reptile species. It was neat to be able to see everything up close and live opposed to just pictures on the internet,” Mr. Saunders said.

From Blacktail Rattlers to Bull snakes, Mr. Eaton covered the facts and history over several varieties of snakes. Ag students learned about snake breeding permits and regulations, record snake measurements, and the deadly details about the behavior and features found on the snakes displayed. Mr. Eaton brought a Blacktail Rattler, Prairie Rattler, Model Rock Rattler, Desert Rattler, Pigmy rattle snake, Broadband Copper Head snake, Cottonmouth snake, Coral snake, Mexico Milk snake, Texas Rat snake, Great Plains rat snake, Bull snake, Ball Python, and a Boa Constrictor all for students to get a close look.

“It was really cool seeing and learning about all the different snakes, he even let us hold the Ball Python,” junior Lane Spannagel said. “I never thought I’d get that close to one, much less get to actually hold it.

Students got a great learning experience and a whole new level of knowledge when it comes to snakes from Mr. Eaton’s elaborate presentation. Blaine Eaton can also be seen at “Fangs” at the San Antonio stock show and rodeo.