Longnose Snake for Nature Deficit Disorder

Today was a great herp day in the Kansas Outback.  Here, Teilee talks about the Longnose Snake she found.  Its only the second record in Pratt County.  This is a Threatened Species on the Kansas listings so its not very common and certainly less common north of the Red Hills and Southwest Kansas.  This is a harmless and beautiful snake of Kansas--one of the 38 species known for the state.  If Nature Deficit Disorder is the huge issue for children's education, herps are perhaps the best answer.  Once kids are taught about the five venomous snakes, there's virtually no herps which are very dangerous.  Small snakes in particular are always interesting to kids and lead to an endless series of questions and inquiry.  Its relatively easy to get near nature in Kansas.  The nearest park, backyard, public lake or wildlife area or your own special place in the Kansas Outback can yield incredible learning and entertainment for the whole family.