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From "The Jungle Book" to "Snakes On A Plane," Hollywood has done its fair share over the years to engender an irrational fear of our slithering friends. Fernbank Museum's annual Reptile Day (July 26), which began back in 2002 in partnership with the Georgia Herpetological Society, hopes to replace some of the myths and misconceptions about these species with facts and familiarity.

The day will begin at 10 a.m. with live displays of more than 30 different species of reptiles in the museum's Great Hall, including the Eastern Indigo Snake, Southern Hognose Snake, Gopher Tortoise (Georgia's state reptile), Alligator Snapping Turtle, Bearded Dragon, Blue Tongued Skink and more.

FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY / SPECIAL (ENLARGE)
The Fernbank Museum's annual Reptile Day encourages children and adults alike to get over their fears of snakes and lizards and learn to enjoy the beauty and benefits of these exotic creatures.
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At 11 a.m., noon, 2 and 3 p.m., live animal presentations in the Fernbank Auditorium with museum scientists offers an opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with some of these misunderstood creatures. In the museum's cafe, visitors can purchase Kids' Meals featuring lizard- and snake-shaped chicken nuggets, a side item, and a drink for $6.

"Ultimately," says Fernbank director of Environmental Education Heather Heimmer, "we want people to understand that reptiles have their place in the natural world and play an important role in the environment by being part of the food chain, helping to control the rodent population."

• THE 411: Reptile Day. Free with museum admission (adults $15, students, seniors $14, children $13). July 26, 10 a.m. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

www.fernbankmuseum.org.