Kelly Williamson

Kelly Williamson

During her July 6 presentation at the East County Regional Library, Kelly Williamson shows Rosy the Red Rat Snake's "climbing trick."
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"The actual one that we have on this presentation is not as cool as love, but it is space," Williamson said.

Williamson, 24, is an intern at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, which sponsored her presentation on Florida's wildlife at the library July 6.About 20 people attended, many of them children.

At the end of her PowerPoint show, Williamson brought out two live examples: Rosy the Red Rat Snake and Sammy the Skunk.

Per library policy, the audience was not allowed to touch the animals.

Rosy wrapped herself around Williamson's arm.Rat Snakes are constrictors, Williamson said, and she used an analogy to explain how they kill their prey.

"Has anybody gotten a hug so tight from your mom or dad because they were so happy to see you that you just couldn't breathe?"she asked.

Next, she brought out Sammy, who was a bashful skunk, she said.He kept his face buried in Williamson's elbow.
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Williamson spoke about animals one habitat at a time.She said there are more than 80 ecosystems in Florida.

"There's a lot more to Florida than just the heat and alligators," she said.