North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher holds Reptile Roundup event

FORT FISHER, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher spotlighted some of its lesser-known residents: reptiles.

The aquarium held its second Reptile Roundup event on Monday as part of Reptile Awareness Day.

Some reptiles at the aquarium include two American alligators, several snakes, box turtles, and two recently-hatched loggerhead turtles.

As part of the event, visitors could take part in reptile-inspired arts and crafts and a scavenger hunt.

Aubrey Cook helped organize the event.

She said it helps people better appreciate these often misunderstood animals.

“So reptiles like snakes, alligators, are often misunderstood,” Cook said. “They are thought of as to be vicious or mean or even scary when often times, they serve very important purposes, whether that’s to balance the food chain or to help keep populations in check.”

Visitors could also get up close and personal with two of the reptiles, a snake and an aquatic turtle, even being able to gently touch them.