Our very own Karl Betz was our speaker for May. With representatives from various organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, local fire and police departments, Karl did an outstanding job introducing us to the local venomous snakes. The main focus of the talk was on proper identification, variations in appearances, differences between cottonmouths and water snakes, and coral snakes and their mimics. The presentation also included a few tips on how to react to one when encountered in the wild.

Karl has been a longtime keeper of snakes, including venomous ones and is currently the Vice President of the Southeastern Hot Herp Society, which is a relatively new organization that disseminates as much information as possible to those who keep venomous reptiles and those who are just interested.

~ Mike