American Prairie is reintroducing its ECO-Critters program at the National Discovery Center in Lewistown, in collaboration with ZooMontana.
On Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., educational staff from ZooMontana in Billings will be back in Lewistown with live animals from around the world for the second of six planned visits in 2024.
The historic Power Mercantile Building was completed in 1901. In 2018 American Prairie purchased the structure and remodeled it for the nonprofit’s National Discovery Center.
Brett French
ECO-Critters showcases various living creatures from around the globe and is part of a series of free educational programs created by the National Discovery Center staff at American Prairie. Additional ECO-Critters events with ZooMontana are planned for July 6, Aug. 24, Sept. 7, and Oct. 6.
The animals scheduled to appear on June 1 include Ginger the Garter Snake, Rocket the Western Box Turtle, and several Madagascar Hissing Roaches.
As per the program, Ginger, the garter snake, is known to inhabit various habitats like forests, woodlands, fields, grasslands, and lawns, always in close proximity to water sources like wetlands, streams, or ponds, as amphibians form a significant part of their diet. Garter snakes display a wide range of appearances but typically have large round eyes, longitudinal stripes, and lengths ranging from 18 to 51 inches. A garter snake hatch can consist of up to 57 young. When disturbed, they may display defensive behavior by coiling and striking. Rocket, the Western Box Turtle, is a species that dwells in prairie or grassland regions of the Western and Midwestern United States. These omnivores consume insects, vegetables, greens, and fruit, using their sharp “beaks” to tear apart food. They lay eggs outside their bodies and face threats like habitat loss due to human activities.
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Madagascar Hissing Roaches are among the largest cockroaches globally, dwelling in the forests of Madagascar. They scavenge for food at night, mainly feeding on fruit and plant material. Known for the distinct “hissing” sound they produce by expelling air through their breathing holes, they have adapted well to habitat changes despite deforestation posing some threat to their survival.
At the event, visitors can explore various stations, learn about the natural habitats of the animals, and discover more about prairie plants and animals through the National Discovery Center exhibits. ZooMontana Education and Outreach staff will be present to address queries and handle the animals.
The American Prairie National Discovery Center is situated at 302 W. Main St. in Lewistown, open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit americanprairie.org/national-discovery-center for more information, and follow American Prairie on Facebook for updates on upcoming events and programming.
