The Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering a rare opportunity to visit with live reptiles native to the Mojave Desert. The agency's Wildlife Education program is hosting a class titled "Snakes, Tortoises and Lizards -- Oh, My!" from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Marjorie Barrick Museum on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.

The three-hour class is designed for both children and adults to come together and learn about these creatures in an up-close manner. Not many people, including outdoor enthusiasts, ever get the chance to see these reptiles at such an interactive level.

"The class is appropriate for families, and will be an opportunity to learn about the animals of their Mojave Desert home," said Margie Klein, conservation educator for NDOW and teacher of the class.

The experience will allow children to touch reptiles while professional handlers hold them. The species include snakes such as a rosy boa, red racer and king snake; a desert tortoise; and lizards such as chuckwallas and a desert iguana. All of the specimens have been selected for their calm temperaments and are used to being around people.

Class participants will receive an introduction to the biology of reptiles, as well as species-specific descriptions and information on where to view them in the wild, how the species are protected and proper etiquette when encountering them.

You can register for the class by e-mailing michelle.baker@unlv.edu or by calling 895-3254. For more details, call Margie Klein at 486-5127, ext. 3502.

BASIC SKILLS

Beginner's fishing clinic set

The Nevada Department of Wildlife will host a free fishing clinic at 9 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Sunset Park pond, located near Sunset Road and Eastern Avenue. The class will cover basics such as casting skills, fish identification, bait and lure selection and basic knot tying. The clinic will conclude with the opportunity for participants to put their new skills to the test.

Participants 12 years of age and older must have a Nevada fishing license, which can be purchased at sporting goods retailers and NDOW offices or online at www.ndow.org. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Monday. For more information, contact Ivy Santee at 486-5127, ext. 3503.

INTRODUCTION TO FLY-FISHING

Fishing, tying classes offered

Anyone interested in learning more about fly-fishing can do so at an introduction to fly-fishing class offered Saturday. Hosted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the two-part class will begin with a classroom portion at 8 a.m. in the conference room at the NDOW Las Vegas office, 4747 Vegas Drive.

The classroom portion will cover terminology, knots and equipment selection. In the second portion, to take place later that morning at Floyd Lamb Park, participants will learn casting skills. This class is recommended for those 12 years of age or older who would like a hands-on learning experience.

For many fly-fishers, tying their own flies is a natural extension of the sport. NDOW is offering a fly-tying class at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Vegas Drive location. This beginner's level class will teach participants the basics of tying fishing flies. Students will learn to use the equipment, materials and techniques that are needed to tie flies. All equipment and materials will be provided.

For more information, contact Ivy Santee at 486-5127, ext. 3503.