For many people, snakes are the stuff of nightmares.
But at Anderson Humane’s Wildlife Center, one calm, curious snake is proving that fear doesn’t have to be the end of the story—it can be the beginning of understanding.
A Beautiful New Ambassador
Lottie is an integrated milk snake, a naturally occurring hybrid between two Illinois-native subspecies: the eastern milk snake and the red milk snake. In areas where their habitats overlap—like parts of Illinois—these snakes can interbreed, producing offspring with beautiful blended features. Lottie’s reddish blotches and checkerboard belly make her a stunning example of this rare combination.
She’s also entirely harmless. Milk snakes are non-venomous and play a vital role in our local ecosystem as natural rodent controllers. But despite their usefulness, milk snakes are often misunderstood—and feared—because they resemble venomous species. Lottie is here to change that.
From the Wild to Wildlife Ambassador
Lottie’s journey to our Wildlife Center started when someone took her from the wild and attempted to keep her as a pet. It’s a mistake that happens far too often. People assume wild animals like snakes are easy to care for or pose no harm if removed from their habitat. But doing so not only puts the animal at risk—it disrupts the balance of local ecosystems.
By the time Lottie was surrendered to us, she was too accustomed to humans to survive in the wild. While she can’t return to her natural home, she’s found a powerful new purpose: education.
Changing Minds, One Encounter at a Time
Today, Lottie is part of our ambassador animal team. Her calm demeanor, inquisitive nature, and striking appearance make her an ideal teacher. She doesn’t shy away from people—in fact, she often lifts her head to explore new faces and surroundings. Visitors are frequently surprised by how peaceful and gentle she is.
Through programs at our Wildlife Center and off-site educational visits, Lottie helps us teach children and adults alike that snakes aren’t scary—they’re essential. She helps us explain the importance of native species, the dangers of removing animals from the wild, and the role empathy plays in conservation.
Face Your Fear, Meet Lottie
You don’t have to love snakes to appreciate them. But spending a few minutes with Lottie just might shift your perspective. Many guests leave our programs with a deeper understanding—and often a bit of unexpected affection—for a creature they once feared.
Lottie is living proof that education and empathy can turn fear into fascination.
Want to learn more about snakes and other wild neighbors?
Explore our Wildlife Education programs
Support Lottie and the animals who educate with her.
Donate to our Wildlife Center