ULYSSES, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Cayuga Nature Center hosted its weekly 'Animal Encounters' event on Sunday afternoon. The event was a way for people to get up close and personal with animals like snakes, frogs, turtles, and a hedgehog.

"The majority of the animals I took out today were native versus non-native to New York. We try to focus on Cayuga Lake Basin but that’s not always 100% with the species native to New York specifically," said Aquatic Animals Manager, Chris Wolfe.

Wolfe said a goal of the Nature Center is to teach people about climate change and the effect it has on animals and the environment.

"It allows us to form that connection [with animals] so that they [people] are more willing to look into what they can do to help the environment," said Wolfe.

Visitor Amila Nuhodzic said it's important to learn about the animals and their role in the ecosystem.

"We had learned about some animals from the area and also some that weren’t," said Nuhodzic. She added, "Even just looking at the animals here, you hear about their stories and how they’re sold as pets but they’re not domesticated as pets.  I think just learning about them and educating yourself on what you’re buying and what kind of industries you’re supporting [is important]."

Nick Peek also visited the Nature Center on Sunday and said it's not only important to learn about the animals but to appreciate them too.

"These are really special creatures and the environments they live in aren’t as permanent as a lot of people think," said Peek. He also said, "There could be a lot of change and how it affects the animals' ability to survive, and how the animals survive and thrive."

The next 'Animal Encounters' will take place on Sunday, July 2nd at noon. The event is free to attend, however, the Nature Center asks for donations based on what people can pay.