Cook Museum of Natural Science

Raise your hand if you could just sit and watch the fish swim in the Oceans Tank all day long! 🙋 #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

New Arrival in Wonderful World of Insects: Chinese mantid! 🔹 Mantis comes from ancient Greek, meaning “prophet” or “seer” thanks to their prayer-like pose. 🔹 Lightning fast - taking just 50-70 milliseconds to strike prey. 🔹 Only insect that can turn its head 180°! #cookmuseum

Meet the planehead filefish in the Coral Tank @ the Cook Museum! With its mottled coloring & unique shape, this little fish is a master of blending in with coral & sea fans. Filefish use their sharp, beak-like mouths to nibble on algae, seagrass & tiny invertebrates. #cookmuseum

You have probably seen pictures and videos of the bear that has been spotted in several places all over north Alabama! Visit the Museum to learn all about bears and even get up close to a few - safely, of course! 🐻 #cookmuseum

Make plans to be at the Cook Museum on Wednesday at 3:30 pm for the Oceans Tank Feeding! Be sure to bring any questions you may have for a brief Q&A time with Animal Care following the feed. FREE for Members or with General Admission. #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing #oceanstankfeeding

Summer Break schedule! ☀️ #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing #summerbreak

It's Summer Break at the Museum! ☀️

Start making plans for Spring Break at the Museum! 📷 #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing #springbreak

February Homeschool Classes February 17 @ 9:30am & 11am Grades 7-12 Cost $14 Participants will explore the structure & function of designs found in the world. Sponsored by iHeart Media #cookmuseum

The live animals in the Discover Exhibit & Wonderful World of Insects Exhibit terrariums are celebrating Valentines Day with themed décor that also provides enrichment. The wooden hearts used were decorated by Junior Herpetologist For A Day Camp participants. ♥️ #cookmuseum

Extreme events wreak havoc on nature, but they also open up opportunities for new life. Come learn all about the disturbances in nature at the Museum! 🌪️ #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

Raise your hand if you could sit and watch the fish in the Oceans Tank all day long! 🐠 #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

Did you know that in the wild if a predator grabs a chuckwalla's thick tail, it will come off allowing the chuckwalla to escape? The tail will also grow back over time. #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

Stop by the Museum Store on Saturday, February 8, and choose a free special Cook Museum Valentine to take home or share with someone special. While supplies last. Cost: FREE 💕 #cookmuseum

The Cook Museum is open today on MLK Jr. Day from 9 am - 5 pm! Come visit!

Homeschool Class for Grades 7–12 about Cranes & Cranes is Jan 20 @ 9:30am & 11am! What do whooping cranes & construction cranes have in common? Participants will examine the structure of bird legs & lever systems to compare the 2 & learn about mechanical advantage. #cookmuseum

The Cook Museum is wild about whoopers! Find out why whooping cranes are so amazing in the Cool Cranes! Science on the Spot presentations. There'll be a photo station, coloring page & craft. You can learn how to dance like a crane on January 11 from 10am-2pm. #cookmuseum

Start the new year off with a visit to the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur! There’s lots to explore! #visitnorthal #northalabama #alabama #sweethomealabama #cookmuseum #visitdecatural #downtowndecatur

Christmas might be over, but the chuckwallas are still enjoying their festive decor! 🎄 #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing

The Cook Museum Mining Sluice Christmas Break hours are Thursday, December 26 - Saturday, January 4. The Mining Sluice will be closed January and February. Mining Bags are available for purchase. Exhibit ticket required to access. #cookmuseum #lifeisamazing #miningsluice