MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Live snakes, alligators and turtles are just a few of the Mississippi wildlife that will be on display at the Oct. 17 wildlife festival at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Newton.

The 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. event will include bird dog and falconry demonstrations, and tours of wildlife management areas at the experiment station.

Wildlife experts will be on-hand to provide advice on managing white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, bobwhite quail and mourning doves. Other topics include preserving hunting trophies and historical weapons.

“Activities for the whole family include a wildlife photography show by award-winning photographer Stephen Kirkpatrick, and a talk about the creatures of Mississippi by Joe McGee of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science,” said Adam Rohnke, festival coordinator and Mississippi State University Extension Service wildlife and fisheries associate.

Kid’s activities include an obstacle course, displays of wildlife pelts and skulls, interactive displays, face painting, animal track making and much more.

The event is hosted by MSU’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Coastal Plains Experiment Station. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Local food and craft vendors will have items for sale.

For more information about the festival and a detailed schedule of events, visit http://www.naturalresource.msstate.edu or call (601) 683-2084.