BEREA —
Dozens of chatty children gathered at the Madison County Public Library in Berea for the Animal Tales program Thursday afternoon.
John Ham, a naturalist, used his upbeat humor to tell the youngsters stories about the animals and how the children can take care of them even if they are not their pets.
“You can learn about these animals and how to help them by checking out books at the library,” he told the eager children.
Continuing with the library's “Own the Night” theme, Ham brought some creatures of the night to show off, including a barn owl, a Brazilian rainbow boa and an African crested porcupine.
“It's quillin’ time,” Ham joked as he talked about how the porcupine, named Fluffy, defends herself from predators. In fact, he said once she was attacked by a lion but ended up wounding the big cat with some of her quills. The lion later died from an infection that developed in one of the wounds.
Later on, some of the children shrieked as Ham brought out the boa named, Oz. The naturalist explained that the snake would not make a good pet because it bites a lot, even if it was not poisonous.
Lastly, Ham that although barn owls may be cute, it is illegal to have them as pets because they may be kept only with a permit.
“A lot of (owls) are being killed because they are eating rodents which have been poisoned by traps we set out for them,” he said.
Ham encouraged the children to set out metal mouse traps for rodents instead and not to throw food out on the road because owls can get hit by cars while trying to snag a meal.
At the end of the show, Ham invited the children to come up and pet another snake named Shiloh and to look at the other animals.
Also, he said, always research a new animal before you choose it as a pet so that it can be given proper care.
The program was repeated at the library’s Richmond branch early Thusday evening.
Mary Barczak can be reached at mbarczak@richmondregister.com
Local News
Related Photos
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Children react to seeing a Brazilian Rainbow Boa during an Animal Tales session Thursday at Madison County Public Library in Berea. Photo by Kaitlin Keane
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Naturalist John Ham with Animal Tales holds Casper, a barn owl, during an “edZOOcation” session Thursday at Madison County Public Library in Berea. Photo by Kaitlin Keane
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