Snakes! Alligators! Salamanders! Oh my!

Local reptiles and amphibians will be showcased tonight and tomorrow at the Kiwanis Covington County Fair.

Herpetologists Jimmy and Sierra Stiles will present a program similar to the Cooperative Environment program the pair presents at local schools, minus the PowerPoint presentation.

“We’re going to bring in live animals for the kids to see,” Jimmy Stiles said. “They’ll get to pet and hold them. We’ll have the largest salamander in the U.S on hand.”

Stiles was mum on what kind of snakes they would be bringing to show the children.

“It’s a surprise,” he said.

Stiles said he hopes children who take part will come away with a better understanding of these animals.

“I hope they’ll learn that not all reptiles and amphibians are scary,” he said. “I hope they’ll learn to have respect for the animals that live around us.”

The live demonstration will be tonight and tomorrow night from at 5:30 and 7 in the Arena.

The event is sponsored by the Covington County Soil and Water Conservation District.