From left, Karns City Area High School students Angela Birkbichler, Alec Weber, Luke Anderson and Nathan Lucas, hold a snake in Kurt Crosbie's class at the high school on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012. Butler Eagle file photo

Cats, geckos, ferrets and snakes were helping students at Moniteau and Karns City high schools learn in 2012.

Kurt Crosbie, a seventh-grade teacher at Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School, said in 2012 that having a boa constrictor, a ball python and a crested gecko in his classroom engaged students more than simple photographs would.

“It's different than just having a textbook with the picture,” Crosbie said. “When you have an actual animal in front of the class, it brings the lesson to life — literally.”

Crosbie was first inspired to have animals in the classroom by a fellow teacher. He saw how they could be used to instruct, as well as help with behavioral problems.

“They pay more attention when you have an animal in your hand,” he said.