Atchison County youth got the experience of a lifetime on Thursday, June 17, when the three branches of the Atchison County Library hosted Wildlife Encounters as part of Tails & Tales Summer Reading. Animals presented (shown by handler Jillian Lenz) included a Joey (baby kangaroo), three-banded armadillo, kinkajou, skunk (descented), alligator, and boa constrictor. Wildlife Encounters of Nebraska is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to educating the public about our natural world while offering a home for animals in need for over 30 years.

The boa constrictor, above, garnered an amusing reaction from the kids, including Leevi Driskell, below.

Winston Hogue, who was told to keep his eyes closed and touch the animal that was brought out, was a little surprised to find himself petting a skunk. Luckily, the skunk was descented.

Three-banded armadillo

Captain Crunch, the alligator at Wildlife Encounters.

Ollie Shaw gets ready to pet the alligator at Tarkio’s Wildlife Encounters.

Cora Hirner is slightly apprehensive about touching the boa constrictor held by Jillian Lenz at Wildlife Encounters in Rock Port.

The kinkajou enjoyed a snack while Jillian Lenz talked about it and the other animals she brought for the Wildlife Encounter.

Jillian Lenz tells the children at Rock Port about the three-banded armadillo.

Jo Hurst carefully pets the alligator during Wildlife Encounters at Fairfax. (Shelby Hurst photo)

Nash Stevens stays a safe distance away from the skunk on display at Wildlife Encounters in Fairfax.

(Stephanie Stevens photo)