Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Kelly Gallo to present snowshoe hare program at Montour Preserve

Kelly Gallo, environmental education specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will present a program titled “The Pennsylvania Snowshoe Hare: A Master of Seasonal Survival” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in the auditorium at Montour Preserve’s Environmental Education Center. The presentation will offer an in-depth look at one of northern Pennsylvania’s most remarkable residents, the snowshoe hare.

 ​During this presentation, Kelly will invite you to step into the snowy forests of northern Pennsylvania and meet this extraordinary species, known for its oversized, fur-covered feet and its remarkable ability to change color with the seasons. The snowshoe hare is a true master of winter survival, and Gallo will guide participants through the adaptations that allow it to endure harsh cold, find food in the snow and stay hidden from predators.
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We will take a closer look at the special forest habitats the snowshoe hare depends on and the challenges these environments face. Gallo will discuss what scientists are learning about the hare’s shrinking range in Pennsylvania, the environmental pressures driving these shifts and how researchers are tracking population trends.

The presentation will also highlight current conservation efforts aimed at protecting this elusive species and ensuring its long-term survival. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the role healthy forest ecosystems play in sustaining snowshoe hare populations and what can be done to support wildlife across the state.

This presentation is family friendly and appropriate for audiences of all ages, including children, teens and adults. If you have any questions, please email Vernal School Program Supervisor Marissa Crames at [email protected] or call 570-850-1166.

There is no cost to attend and the presentation is open to the public; however, we ask that you please register below.

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