Photo from Chance Duncan - First of 4 hatching Louisiana Pine Snakes

Usually when you hear of endangered species being bred, it isn't in a high school, but that is the cool part of reptiles. Former kingsnake.com volunteer and high school science teacher extraordinaire Chance Duncan likes to bring science to life with his charges in a special way. He has always kept animals in his classroom and after getting over the fear factor of the snakes, he began integrating the Louisiana Pine snakes into his class.

Every year I see students come in my room who are kind of uncomfortable or a little bit nervous but very quickly they realize that the snakes are not these scary monsters that they thought they were," said Duncan.
"They play a really critically important role in their ecosystems. They are very, very important to preserve their presence and keep them around."

Keeping these snakes around is just what Duncan is working to do.

Russelville High School is believed to be the first secondary institution in the world to produce a critically endangered snake species which makes it an amazing accomplishment and a fantastic educational experience for Chance to pass along to the next generation.

Chance, we are so proud to know you!

To read the full story and see all the amazing photos and video, click here!