Contrary to what Hollywood would like you to think, sharks are amazing and beautiful creatures that are essential to the health of our ocean ecosystems! They are often called the garbage disposals of the ocean, because they can sense sick or dying fish that might be around. Without them, our oceans would be filled with more diseases! It is very rare for sharks to attack humans. In fact, humans tend to be more dangerous to sharks! It is estimated that humans kill 100 million sharks annually. One way you can help out sharks is to not purchase any type of shark fin soup! #sharks #beanmuseum

Say hello to Reggie!! We adopted Reggie 2 years ago in June. Reggie was very small when we first got her, but now she is almost reaching 4 feet! We couldn't be happier to have her as an animal ambassador!! She is an incredibly curious little snake! Her hobbies include hiding in sidewalk cracks, bathing in her water tub, and tying herself into knots. Come to one of our live animal shows or schedule your own to hang out with Reggie!! #beanmuseum #cornsnake #reggie #snakesofinstagram

Did you know naked mole rats are not related to moles or rats? Their closest relative happens to be the porcupine and guinea pig. These animals are hard workers and can tunnel an underground territory that is as large as six football fields! #beanmuseum #nakedmolerat

This summer, we had the opportunity to start out our new summer program, Biology Boot Camp! It was a major success! If you would like to read about what the campers got to do, head to our blogpost to learn more! http://www.beanmuseum.org/2018/07/biology-boot-camp.html #beanmuseum #biologybootcamp #summercamps

Did you know sea stars have two stomachs? One of these stomaches has adapted to come outside of its body through the mouth to consume large prey that cannot fit into their mouth. This sack-like stomach envelopes the prey to digest it before withdrawing back into the body. How cool is that?! #beanmuseum #seastar #animalkingdom #adaptations

Stinging Nettle! A plant many have heard about, but don't know what it looks like or what it does to you if you brush up against it. This plant is common in North America, Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia. The stinging nettle has needle-like tubes that pierce the skin and inject a mix of formic acid, histamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. This causes a severely itchy, burning rash that can last for a few days. Not fun!! However, despite its defense mechanism, stinging nettle has long since been used for its medicinal properties, vitamin-rich food value, and its use in textiles and cosmetics. What a cool plant! #beanmuseum #stingingnettle #powerofplants

Curious about how more of our summer camps have been going? Head to beanmuseum.org to read the blogposts about the BYU Museum Camp and Critter Camp- Air Edition! #beanmuseum #crittercamp #animallove

Did you know we offer free, private, in-house live animal shows here at the museum?? You can get your family and friends together, and look for a time that works best for you! Head to our website to schedule one! Please note that requests must be made at least one week in advance. #beanmuseum #freeisalwaysgood #animalshow