Texas A&M researcher brings Taxidermy workshop to downtown Bryan

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - The Texas A&M Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections is putting a creative spin on hands-on science.

Collections Manager Heather Prestridge is hosting a “Crap Taxidermy” night to benefit students and support the department’s ongoing preservation work.

The specimens used for the event are ethically sourced from a feeder supply warehouse.

“We’re using rodents from a rodent supply warehouse, where typically they raise them to use as feeder animals for reptiles and carnivores.” Prestridge said.

During the interactive class, participants will learn how to prepare a rat specimen. The highlight of the event comes at the end, when guests can costume their finished mounts as either a witch or a pirate using provided accessories. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own trinkets to personalize their creations — a nod to Prestridge, who said she is often accused of trying to add “just one more thing.”

The collections document biodiversity across space and time by collecting, saving and preserving specimens.

The event will take place at The Parker-Astin Arts Center in downtown Bryan during the Art Step event, and onlookers are welcome to observe. Pre-dressed rats will also be available for purchase to support the program. Registration details can be found on Facebook here.