Two members of the biology faculty will speak about creatures many people are simultaneously frightened of and curious about on the Missouri Western State University campus. Dr. Mark Mills presents “Snakes Alive: It’s the Year of the Snake” at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in Agenstein Hall, room 224. Dr. David Ashley presents “Batty About Bats” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the Hearnes Center Little Theater, room 102. Both talks are free and open to the public.
Dr. Mills’ presentation is part of the monthly meeting of the Pony Express Amphibian and Reptile Society. It is sponsored by that group, the Department of Biology and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The presentation will include live snakes and will be of interest to all ages.
Dr. Ashley’s presentation is an annual tradition, giving some positive attention to bats around Halloween when many people think of them as vampires. He will talk about the natural history of bats globally and within Missouri, bat biodiversity, the ecological role of bats and factors detrimental to bats.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.