By Iesha Toft
S-N Contributor
Critters crawl into CC/E
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IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS
Students learned interesting facts about salamanders during the special visit.
Clay Central/Everly Elementary had a few creepy crawly guests of honor visit on Monday.
Librarian Iesha Toft invited Clay County Conservation's AmeriCorps aide Brooklynn Wille to join all library classes in highlighting their monthly library theme, "Animals Near and Far."
IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS
Students were able to pet a docile and friendly fox snake.
Wille brought in some fantastic animals to view like the fox snake, which is indigenous to our local area and was surprisingly fun and docile. Students were able to pet the snake while learning about its diet, habitat and physical traits.
Next up was another local find, a salamander. This critter was a hoot to watch as Wille pretended her finger was a worm and the salamander would try to snag a bite. The children all shook his tiny hand while learning that petting him would not be wise due to his ability to soak up all chemicals on our skin. The salamander also provided the oddest fact of the day – it closes its eyes while eating to help push the food down its throat.
The final guest was an animal from afar, a curly haired tarantula. Students learned that this small, furry spider throws its hair at enemies and can irritate the skin when touched.
