Harrisville Public Library held its final summer library program on June 27 with a presentation by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Sabrina Cummings, biologist and outreach educator, was the guest presenter.
Cummings opened with comments that she teaches people how to protect animals and be good stewards of Mississippi wildlife. She serves a 19 county area including Simpson.
After reading a book about Melvin the turtle, Cummings shared various types of turtle shells with her audience of 50 children and adults, explaining the differences in kinds of turtles like box and snapping as well as numerous facts about the species. In addition, she talked about the differences between turtles and tortoises.
The specific point Cummings made on turtles was that they need to remain in their natural habitat rather than being removed and taken home as pets. Just like humans know where they live, where they sleep, and where they eat, the turtles also know their own unique surroundings. Just as people are uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings, so are turtles.
Cummings brought out Polly the gopher turtle for everyone to see and enjoy. Because Polly lost her front left leg she cannot be returned to the wild to fend for herself so she lives with Cummings and is a frequent traveler. As such she is now known as Polly the Princess. Cummings pointed out that turtles do not have teeth and they are herbivores; they only eat plants.
Polly the Princess is in a group of reptiles considered an endangered species.
The next critter Cummings brought out was Leroy, a two-foot long alligator with dark stripes, whose approximate age is two. Cummings explained at this age “everything out there wants to eat him — fox, raccoons, herons, hawks, and other alligators.” The stripes provide camouflage to protect the baby alligator. Leroy was born in captivity and will live his life out in captivity. He will grow to be about six feet long.
Everyone who was interested had the opportunity to use two fingers to stroke Leroy. Several said he felt like a plastic toy alligator.
Cummings encouraged the adults in the audience to bring their children to visit the museum in Jackson for a more extensive view of the wildlife in Mississippi.
The program closed with a special treat for those in attendance, ice cream provided by Harrisville Community Church.
