World Snake Day 2025 at MMNS: Touch live snakes and uncover the secrets of nature's most misunderstood creatures; know more details
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS) is calling the public to slither into discovery at its annual World Snake Day celebration, which this year will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025.
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The event provides participants with an exclusive chance to meet live snakes, learn from experienced naturalists, and uncover the ecological significance of these much-maligned reptiles.
While World Snake Day is officially observed on July 16, museum authorities have advanced their celebration to an early date because of climatic issues in observing some snakes during the hottest part of the summer.
"It's all about raising awareness about snakes around the world,"
explained Aaron Holbrook, MMNS Assistant Director.
"We want to inform the public of the important role snakes have in ecosystems and assist in overcoming unnecessary fears that are based more on myth than reality."
World Snake Day 2025 : Why MMNS celebrates in June and not in July
The museum's timing of holding the event during mid-June as opposed to July is strategic. Numerous indigenous species of snakes will seek refuge underground during peak summer heat, becoming less accessible and harder to display for educational exposure.
'Once the heat kicks in, a lot of these species go underground to escape it,' Holbrook explained. 'By holding the event earlier, we're able to introduce the public to a wider variety of species, including some rarely seen in the wild.
'
Some of the snakes showcased in the event form part of the permanent collection of the museum, while others are temporarily harvested from the wild for use in education purposes and responsibly released back to their natural habitats afterwards.
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Highlights of the MMNS World Snake Day experience
The MMNS World Snake Day celebration promises a combination of education, conservation messaging, and entertainment that is family-friendly. People will be able to:
View live snake species up close, including native and exotic varieties
Interact safely with select non-venomous snakes under expert supervision
Witness a rare two-headed snake, a unique natural phenomenon
Engage with herpetologists and get your snake-related questions answered
Create fun and educational snake-themed crafts for all ages
Take part in hands-on learning activities that explore snake biology, behavior, and conservation
Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi can earn the official MMNS Snake Day patch
Boy Scouts can meet several requirements for the Reptile and Amphibian Merit Badge
Enjoy food and refreshments available for purchase at Spotter's Snack Shack
Snakes aren't scary; they're essential- here's why
MMNS has a mission to change people's attitudes about snakes from fear to respect by emphasizing their vital role in ensuring healthy ecosystems. From pest control to balancing biodiversity, snakes offer natural services that are beneficial to agriculture, public health, and native wildlife.
"The more we learn about these animals, the better we can conserve them—and ourselves," Holbrook said. Along with live demonstrations, the museum will offer materials that address frequent misconceptions like:
Do copperheads actually smell like cucumbers?
What are the most frequently encountered snakes in Mississippi ?
? How do you treat a snakebite?
These subjects will also be addressed in The Clarion-Ledger's upcoming Snake Week, a special daily series of articles on snake science, conservation concerns, and recent wildlife encounters throughout the state.
MMNS World Snake Day 2025 event details
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Friday, June 13, 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
10:00 am – 2:00 pm Place: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS Admission: Covered by general museum admission
Adults: $9
Seniors (60+): $8
Children (3–18): $7
Children 3 and under and MMNS Foundation members: Free
Tickets: Online or at the door - www.mdwfp.com/museum
Food and refreshments will be available for sale from Spotter's Snack Shack, on the grounds.
Whether you are an inquisitive child, a wildlife conservationist, or just someone wanting to overcome your fear of snakes, MMNS World Snake Day presents a unique and interactive experience with some of nature's most intriguing reptiles. The event showcases the museum's ongoing passion for wildlife education, conservation, and community outreach.
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