Reptiles and Amphibians
Cages, Food, Hibernation, Safety, Education
Curated By
Hank Van Joslin
Hank Van Joslin is President and CEO of Van Joslin Real Estate Group. He is the founder of RACER Reptile & Amphibian Certification Education Resources. Hank is also a Member ETHS - East Texas Herpetological Society, and SWCHR - Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research. Today, Hank keeps more than 80 king snakes and milk snakes in a climate-controlled facility. Van Joslin is a graduate of the University of Tampa.
They Might Be Thinking:
- People will think I’m weird if I have a pet snake.
- Some people will be afraid of my pet snakes and reptiles.
- Reptiles can be a lot of work, because they are messy animals to care for.
- Amphibians need too much care due to them needing both water and land habitats.
- I can’t have young children around when I play with my snakes.
- Most people don’t know the difference between venomous and non-venomous.
- Most people are afraid to handle snakes.
- The only time you handle frogs is in science lab.
- Do toads give you warts, or is that a fable?
- Red and black, friend of Jack. Rred and yellow, kill a fellow.
- Scientists can learn a lot from the fact that lizards can regenerate their tails.
- Herptiles need special cages, lighting and temperature control.
- What is the proper temperature for keeping reptiles comfortable?
- What should I feed my reptiles?
- How big could my snake get?
- Should I be afraid of my own snake?
- What should the rules be for handling my reptiles?
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- Reptiles and amphibians are God’s creations.
- Reptiles and amphibians important parts of the ecosystem.
- In many early civilizations, snakes were worshipped.
- Herptiles make interesting pets.
- Having a snake is a big responsibility.
- I think you are brave to make these creatures your pets.
- Tell me more about what it takes to care for a reptile.
- What are the best books to learn about snakes?
- Where do you go to buy reptiles?
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- Snakes are really disgusting.
- I can’t imagine feeling safe in a house with a snake as a pet.
- The bible tells us that snakes are bad.
- The only good snake is a dead snake.
- Turtles and tortoises carry salmonella.
- Snakes will chase you.
- You are really strange. Snakes are really creepy.
- Can't you find a safer hobby?
- I think this is just a phase you are going through.
- You are going to lose friends because of this hobby.
- What will you do if you get bitten?
All about Reptiles and Amphibians – Living with Wildlife
- Turtles 101
- Lizards 101
- Snakes 101
- Frogs 101
- Salamanders 101
- Crocodilians 101
- Caecilians & Tuatara
- Mischievous Ratsnakes
- Hog-nosed Snakes
- Treefrog Tubes
- Backyard Herps
- Living Around Snakes
- Snakebite Avoidance
- Snakebite Treatment
- The Maligned Cottonmouth
- American Box Turtles
- Relocating Reptiles
- Reptile Rescue & Removal
- Watch for Wildlife
- Snake Myths & FAQs
- Keep Cats Indoors
- Herps Save Lives!
- Careful Where You Learn
All about Reptiles and Amphibians – Classification and Diversity
All about Reptiles and Amphibians – Biology
- Thermoregulation
- Tail Autotomy
- Ecdysis (Shedding)
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Hemipenes
- Fangs
- Rear-fanged Snakes
- Scales and Scutes
- Venomous vs. Poisonous
- Venom
- Amniotes and Anamniotes
- Frog Life Cycle
- Salamander Life Cycle
- Amplexus
- Hatching and Birthing
- Parthenogenesis
- Sex Determination
- Snake Locomotion
- Forked Tongues
- Snakes and Swallowing
- “Sticky” Feet
- Hibernation and Aestivation
- Tortoise Pee
All about Reptiles and Amphibians – Natural History
All about Reptiles and Amphibians – Conservation
- Herp Conservation
- Habitat Loss
- Commercial Collection
- Amphibian Diseases
- Snake Fungal Disease (SFD)
- Systematic Eradication
- Preservation Efforts
- Habitat Management
- Assurance Colonies
- Public Policy
- Citizen Science
- Conservation through Education
- Become an Interpreter
- Innovative Solutions
- Excluders and Underpasses
- Special Places
- Community Outreach
- Master Naturalist Programs
- Knowing is Not Enough
- Laissez-faire
All about Reptiles & Amphibians – Observation
- Read A Book!
- Consider the Cost
- Size and Longetivity
- Responsibly-sourced Animals
- Code of Ethics
- We're Not Disposable!
- Gradients are Key!
- Replicate Nature
- Enrichment
- Lighting
- Enclosures
- Cohabitation
- Hiding Places
- Provide Variety
- Feeder Insects
- Transporting Animals
- Cleanliness
- Choosing a Veterinarian
- Consider Rescue
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