Photos and story by Monty Siekerman
Kids loved the reptile program sponsored by the Ada Public Library and held at Community Health Professionals on Tuesday afternoon.

Nearly 100 people attended the program and could "pet" such things as snakes and tortoises while Keith Gisser described the reptiles...where they live, what they eat, how big they get, how long they live Gisser brought a dozen reptiles with him, all rescued creatures, which are given a home at Herps Alive near Cleveland.

The speaker asked questions of the crowd of children, many of them in early elementary grades. Surprisingly, many knew the answers. The Ada youngsters knew a lot about reptiles, even at an early age.

Most of the critters were brought around the room by Gisser for the children (and adults, too) to touch. No one squirmed. There was a bearded dragon, tegu, several snakes, and tortoise.

Gisser said one thing that was a shock to many. He said there are no poisonous snakes. But read on...

Some snakes are venomous. There is a difference between poison and venom. Don't know it? Google it.

Gisser has over 30 years exoerience as a herpetologist. He speaks at libraries, universities, and community events.

His nonprofit rescue operation, Herps Alive, is open five days a week offering adoptable reptiles and amphibians. There are guided tours and educational programs at the site. For more information see HerpsAlive Facebook page.