3 Things You Can Do to Spread the Love for Your Reptile Friends
Did you know that October 21st is Reptile Awareness Day? No one knows for sure how it got started, but there’s no better time to try to educate others about these often misunderstood creatures. Here are just a few things you can do in honor of this day:
- Get the kids involved.
If you teach people about reptiles when they’re young, they’re less likely to be afraid of them later in life. So it’s a good idea to bring your pet snake to show and tell at school, provided you’ve cleared it with your school, of course. As an adult, you can take your kids to a reptile show, like the ones offered by New England Reptile Shows, where they can see and touch a variety of reptiles and learn more about them. They’ll learn fascinating facts, from how to care for a reptile pet to the myths surrounding snakes. Did you know the majority of snakes aren’t poisonous? If you’re unable to get to a show, try visiting a local zoo where the kids can be educated about all kinds of reptile species.
- Be politically active.
For quite some time, reptiles haven’t exactly done well with public opinion. So much misinformation floating around can eventually be considered true if the facts aren’t set straight. For example, it was once mistakenly claimed that turtles carried salmonella. Current laws can negatively affect some species that are endangered. So if you’re a reptile pet owner, there’s never been a better day to contact lawmakers in your state over legislation that affects reptiles. Find out what the laws are in your state, and write to your congressional representatives to help pass legislation that can protect endangered reptiles. You can also help get legislation passed that will dispel myths about certain reptiles.
- Reach out to someone who has a snake phobia.
If you have a pet snake, it may be difficult when your friends don’t want to come near it. Don’t despair! You have to be patient and not force the snake on anyone who isn’t comfortable. But today may be a good day to have a conversation about the person’s fears and help to acquaint him with your pet reptile. If your friend is open to it, introduce him or her slowly to your snake, letting him touch its skin and seeing how agreeable it is. This may go a long way to end a friend’s phobia of snakes. A gradual introduction can lead to more contact, and eventually your friend may be interested in getting a snake for a pet someday!
Remember, there’s no better day than Reptile Awareness Day to do what you can to help change minds about these often misunderstood creatures!
If you want to learn more about snakes and other fascinating creatures in the reptile world, you’ll be able to see some popular species up close at New England Reptile Shows. Book a show today!
