Kotarba teaches children about wildlife

IRONWOOD - Northwoods Wildlife Center Education Director Bart Kotarba came to Ironwood Carnegie Library on Monday to teach children what happens to injured animals.

As part of the library's "Every Hero Has a Story" program, Kotarba taught children what to do and what not to do if they see an injured animal.

Kotarba showed X-rays of injured animals and asked the audience what was wrong with the animal. There were X-rays of birds, turtles, deer and other animals.

Kotarba told them the animal's story of how it was injured and saved.

Children in the audience were amused when Kotarba brought out two turtles and a raptor. While displaying the animals, Kotarba taught children facts about them.

"Do you know how you can tell the difference between a male and a female turtle?" He asked." By the claws. The male's are longer."

After he showed the audience the turtle, he brought out TJ, a raptor

"Why is its tail so long?" Kotarba asked the children. "Birds use their tail for balance," he said.

Carnegie Library Assistant Director Lynne Wiercinski said the children were very entertained.

"Whenever you involve children and animals, they're going to be excited." she said.

Kotarba said it's important for children to know what to do if you see an injured animal.

"Wild animals are all around them," he said. "And humans have a big impact on the wildlife. The more we can teach people about wild animals, the better."