It is going to be a hopping, slithering, slinking kind of day this Saturday at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh when the 23^rd Annual Reptile and Amphibian Day kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. The free event, which draws thousands of people each year, highlights the biology, ecology and conservation needs of reptiles and amphibians around the world.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, along with the North Carolina chapter of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NCPARC), will have a booth on the third floor of the museum (just as you come off the escalator) with live reptiles and amphibians — collectively known as “herps.”

Come check out (and if you’re feeling brave — touch) a few corn snakes and an Eastern kingsnake, get an up-close peek at some toads and frogs, as well as some really cool salamanders, such as the largest terrestrial salamander in the world, the tiger salamander, as well as the beautifully patterned marbled salamander, which is one of the state amphibians.

While at the exhibit, don’t forget to pick up some free literature on how to turn your backyard into a haven for all kinds of wildlife, in particularly amphibians and reptiles. Also, test your snake-identification skills by playing the “Spot the Copperhead” game.

This is the 12^th year in a row that the Wildlife Commission, along with NCPARC, has attended Reptile and Amphibian Day. The Commission supports the event to dispel myths and misconceptions about reptiles and amphibians in general and snakes in particular.

For instance, snakes are not slimy, and all snakes are “good” snakes, even the venomous ones. Snakes are not out to “get” people, but on the contrary are excellent hunters of mice and other rodents, which can be health hazards for humans.

 Visitors can also learn about some the projects Commission staff is working on to conserve reptile and amphibians in North Carolina. Bog turtles, green salamanders and sea turtles are just a few animals benefiting from conservation work conducted by Commission biologists and funded through dollars given to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund.