reptiles
There is never a shortage of reptiles at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. From snakes to box turtles, there is so much to see and learn about these creatures. Did you know several native, non-venomous snakes are on exhibit at CNC? Learn how the corn snake got its name and why we have Florida pine snakes in Georgia. Also, learn all about the many hard-shelled creatures like the eastern box turtle, the only land turtle in the northern half of Georgia. They can live more than 75 years and only travel 5 miles their whole life!
What makes a Reptile Unique
>> They are ectothermic (cold-blooded, rely on their environment to maintain body temperature)
>> They shed their dry, scaly skin as they grow
>> Some lay eggs and others give live birth
>> The babies often look like miniature adult versions

Can you believe it costs CNC close to $38,000 a year to feed and care for all of our animals?
meet some of our reptiles

EASTERN BOX TURTLE: Terrapene carolina
See them In the Watershed Gallery.
Female: Arrived in 2010 after requiring a leg amputation. Female: Arrived in 2010 after requiring a leg amputation. Annual food cost: $150

YELLOW-BELLIED SLIDER: Trachemys scripta
See him In the Watershed Gallery
Male: Arrived in 2006 after being kept as a pet in poor conditions. Annual food cost: $100

EASTERN RIVER COOTER: Pseudemys concinna
See him In the Watershed Gallery.
Male: Arrived in 2009 with numerous issues after being found in sewage. Annual food cost: $100

GREEN ANOLE:
Anolis carolinensis
See them In the Watershed Gallery.
Males and Females: Arrived 2009-2015 after being rescued from development sites or taken out of pet trade
Annual food cost: $175

ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE: Macrochelys temminckiina
See it In the Watershed Gallery. Undetermined Gender: Arrived in 2017 after being hatched in captivity ~2009. Annual food cost: $150

FLORIDA PINE SNAKE: Pituophis melanoleucus
See her In the Watershed Gallery.
Female: Arrived in 2001 after being kept illegally for commercial sale. Annual food cost: $65

EASTERN (YELLOW) RAT SNAKE: Pantherophis alleghaniensis Arboreal
See her In the Watershed Gallery.
Female: Arrived in 2012 from a Florida breeder who was retiring. Annual food cost: $65

CORN SNAKE: Pantherophis guttatus
See it In the Watershed Gallery.
Male: Arrived in 2008 after hatching at a North Carolina nature center in 1995. Annual food cost: $65