Welcome to The Backyard Naturalists, your award-winning podcast about anything and everything related to nature! Heard in 115 countries, all 50 states, and throughout the Carolinas, we're thrilled to have you join us. We're also proud recipients of the Best of the Weeklies podcast award from the readers of the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.

In this episode, we're excited to welcome back Reptile Expert Jay Bell from Reptiles 101. As a flock member, Jay has shared his knowledge with us in over three episodes, and we're always eager to hear his insights. Today, Jay joins hosts Debbie and Laurie to discuss the invasive reptile species of North Carolina and their impact on local ecosystems.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• · The Texas horned lizard
• · The red-eared slider turtle
• · The tegu lizard
• · The house gecko
• · The hammerhead slug

Jay describes the appearance, habitat, and impacts of each invasive species, highlighting the risks they pose to native wildlife by outcompeting them for food, water, and shelter. Tune in to find out what you can do to help control the spread of these invasive species and protect North Carolina's native reptiles.

We love hearing from our listeners! Drop us a review on Apple Podcasts and let us know where you're tuning in from and what you enjoy most about the show. Happy listening and stay informed!

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

Connect with the Backyard Naturalists on the Web, Facebook and Instagram.

Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists. We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don't forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

Production services for The Backyard Naturalists podcast are provided by Downtown Podcasting. To start a conversation on how you can have a podcast, simply send an email to [email protected].

While recording the Backyard Naturalists podcast, Debbie and Laurie enjoy coffee provided by the Good Cup Coffee Company in Matthews, North Carolina. Follow Good Cup Coffee on Instagram and look for them at the Matthews Community Farmer's Market this Saturday morning.