Charles Congden Carpenter (June 2, 1921 – January 10, 2016) was an eminent naturalist and herpetologist who has won numerous awards for excellence as an educator, researcher, and communicator.
In 1953 he joined the faculty of the University of Oklahoma as assistant professor of zoology.
At the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Carpenter taught, performed research in his areas of expertise, and directed the graduate work of 26 Doctor of Philosophy, 21 Master of Science, and 3 Master of Natural Science students.
He has published 136 papers on subjects as diverse as: copulation in the fox snake, the common garter snake, time-motion studies of a lizard, turkey vulture migration in Veracruz, a combat ritual between two male speckled king snakes, and courtship, male combat and dominance in the western diamondback rattlesnake.
He has given 214 special lectures and seminars, and made 32 appearances on radio and television.