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Kory Roberts (AKA: kaptainkory)

Introduction

Some things...never change.

I thought I would provide a little background about myself and what, eventually, would lead me to create this website.

I grew up in Huntsville, Arkansas, and spent my summers flipping rocks in search of creepy-crawlies. My Dad had done his share of snake-catching when he was a youngster, but my interest and fascination exceeded his.

Even when I was young, I wanted to be a herpetologist (and yes, I knew what that word meant!). But at the same time, my "hobby" was much misunderstood by many around me. I always thought to myself, "People who say they like to fish don't always have to justify why they like to fish. But why is it when I say I like looking for snakes, people wonder why? Can't I just like something for the sake of liking it?"

I was a bit of a crusader even then, and took it upon myself to educate others about snakes: their importance, their beauty, why we shouldn't kill every single one we see just because we can, etc.

Other interests took the forefront for a few years, but eventually (after I had earned a Bachelor's degree--not in the sciences), I had the opportunity to live out a childhood dream of actually becoming a herpetologist (or at the least a field research technician). For the next five years, while I was also working toward a Masters of Arts in Teaching (General Science / Biology), I got the chance to work with Dr. Steven Beaupre at the University of Arkansas whose focus is on Timber Rattlesnake physiological ecology. During the summer of 2006, I returned to the Beaupre lab to continue my work with Timber Rattlesnakes through the Arkansas STRIVE program.

Although I no longer take an active part in professional snake research, I consider myself a "professional snake educator". Along with numerous other speaking engagements, for the past several summers I have taught herpetology to 11 and 12 year olds at the Arkansas Audubon Ecology Camp.

This website started off rather modestly as a place where people could ID snakes (they likely killed), but has since grown into a thorough educational service, a photographic library, a community of herpers, and a partnership with professional herpetologists. It served as a platform for re-establishing the Arkansas Herpetological Society in 2004.

As my "day job", I am a public school science teacher. After teaching 7th grade science for several years, in 2008 I transitioned to the high school level. I currently teach biology and pre-AP biology at Rogers High School in Rogers, Arkansas.

I hope this has given you a better sense of who I am and why I am here.

Happy herpin'!!!!

~Kory

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Publications and Presentations

• Roberts, Kory and S. J. Beaupre. 2006. Habitat use in a Northwest Arkansas population of timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Arkansas STRIVE presentation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. Also presented at Lingle Middle School, Rogers, AR.
• Roberts, Kory. 2004. A discussion of resources for the modern amateur field herpetologist. 2nd Annual Meeting of Reptile and Amphibian Enthusiasts of Arkansas, Mount Magazine State Park, AR.
• Beaupre, S. J. and K. G. Roberts. 2001. Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix. Chemotaxis, Arboreality and Diet. Herpetological Review, 32(1): 44-45.
• Roberts, K. G. and S. J. Beaupre. 1997. Habitat use in a Northwest Arkansas population of the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), with comments on arboreality. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Annual Meeting, June, 1997 Seattle, WA.

Outreach

• Webmaster: http://HerpsOfArkansas.com. 2002-current.
• Camp Counselor and Instructor of Herpetology: Edith and Henry Halberg Audubon Ecology Camp, Camp Clearfork, AR. 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 (x2), 2002 (x2), 2003 (x2), 2004 (x2), 2005 (x2), 2006, 2007 (x2), 2008 (x2), 2009 (x2), 2010 (x2), 2011 (x2), 2012 (x2).
• Save the Frogs: Rogers High School Science and Art Open House, Rogers, AR. 2010, 2011, 2012.
• Instructor (Herpetology): Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists Class, Various Locations, AR. 2010, 2011, 2012.
• Presenter (Live-Animal Program): Lingle Middle School's "Outdoor School", Lake Atlanta City Park, Rogers, AR. 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.
• Coordinator: Arkansas Herpetological Society Spring/Fall Field Trips, Various Locations, AR. 2004, 2005 (x2), 2006 (x2), 2007 (x2), 2008 (x2), 2009 (x2), 2010 (x2).
• Presenter (Live-Animal Program): Territorial Fair, Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock, AR. 2009.
• Presenter (Live-Animal Booth): Arkansas Herpetological Society Educational Booth, Kidz Fair, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Little Rock, AR. 2005, 2006, 2007.
• Presenter (Live-Animal Booth): Fall Family Festival, Jones Center for Families, Springdale, AR. 2006.
• Research Assistant: working with Dr. Steven Beaupre through the Arkansas STRIVE program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. 2006.
• Coordinating Director: Meeting of Reptile and Amphibian Enthusiasts of Arkansas, Various Locations, AR. 2003, 2004.
• Presenter (Live-Animal Program): University Museum Discovery Room's "Science Saturdays", University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. 1997, 1998, 1999.

Awards and Recognition

• Honorable Mention ("Toad eating an insect"): First Annual Great Arkansas Outdoor Photography Contest, Sponsored by Bedford's Camera and Video and Arkansas Game and Fish, AR. 2004.