Snakes in the Catskills: A Primer (Virtual)

On Wednesday, June 5 at 7pm ET, join Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies for a special lecture on snakes, featuring John Vanek, a zoologist at the New York Natural Heritage Program. This event is offered in partnership with the Catskill Science Collaborative.

In this primer, Vanek will provide a brief 101 on snakes, including species you are likely to encounter in the Catskills and greater Hudson Valley (with distribution maps), and why snakes are important to ecosystems. He will also spotlight rattlesnakes and copperheads, and provide tips on how to hike safely in areas where these venomous snakes are present.

Attendees will learn how to report snake sightings and ways they can participate in community science efforts to monitor snake populations. Registrants are encouraged to ask questions at registration so they can be worked into the presentation.

Vanek holds a BS in Wildlife Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, an MS from Hofstra University where he studied the ecology of Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes, and a PhD from Northern Illinois University where his dissertation focused on urban wildlife ecology and conservation.