Live animals and lively storytelling combine as Mark Spurier, a naturalist from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, shares stories and American Indian folklore while showing off local wildlife at the Taneytown Branch Library on Tuesday.

The department's Scales and Tales program lets audiences get up close to some of Maryland's native species, including birds of prey and reptiles, in an effort to promote concern for wildlife and natural resources. Naturalists try to draw attention to important issues such as loss of habitat, pollution and biodiversity as they reach nearly 1 million people each year.

The "Scales and Tall Tales" element of the program, which Spurier will be doing, uses fun tales and fables that tie in with the animal presentation to inform and entertain children ages 4 to 10.

The program starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Taneytown Branch Library, 10 Grand Drive. Registration is not required. Call 410-386-4488 for more information.

- Sandy Alexander