Wondering if that sinuous shape you've seen slinking through your yard is a friendly distraction or a threat to your health? A program presented by The Woodlands Township will help you to say for certain.

A free session, "Identifying Backyard Snakes," will be presented at the Nancy Bock Auditorium on the McCullough Campus of The Woodlands High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive.

The speaker will be Mike Howlett, a herpetologist (snake expert) with the Jesse Jones Park and Nature Center in Humble. Howlett's program, which is appropriate for everyone from elementary school students to adults, will dispel popular myths about snakes and teach attendees the most recognizable traits of various breeds.

The program will feature live snakes in a safe, contained environment.

The snakes talk is the first in a series of nature programs to be offered in The Woodlands this year called "A Walk in the Woods." The series is organized by the township and sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn, Waste Management, Pineywoods Nursey, and The Woodlands Grass Roots Environmental Education Network (GREEN).

For more information, call 281-210-3900 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.