Some call them creepy-crawlies, others say they?re gross. But for the more than 5,000 people who will attend the Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show this weekend, they?re part of the family.
Holli Friedland, the MARS program director, said the show is unique because it?s one of the only captive-bred shows around. “Most reptile shows are not captive-bred. But for our show, nothing is taken from the wild.” The show will feature 170 vendors from around the country.
Ted Thompson, the owner of Susquehanna Ectotherms in Pennsylvania, has been in the snake business since 1993. “I?ll be bringing corn snakes of all different varieties, some with stripes, some with color mutations,” he said. “I?ll also have boa constrictors, ball pythons and California king snakes.”
People used to be afraid of snakes, Thompson said, but “with all the Discovery shows around, people have learned to appreciate them. Now they just kind of have a mysterious factor about them.”
Snakes are great for kids too. “Not all snakes, but corn snakes are good, and hog-nosed snakes. My mother likes those. They are just really cute-looking. They also stay small and aren?t aggressive,” Thompson said.
New this year to the event is a visit from Croc Encounters, a nonprofit organization and sanctuary for rare and exotic species of birds, fish and crocodilians. They will be bringing several different crocodilians for people to examine at the show.
Friedman said that buying or adopting an animal at the show has its advantages.
“You can see a lot of animals you won?t get to see in a regular pet store, and usually you can get better prices,” she said. “You also will be buying the animal directly from the breeder, so you are able to find out all you can about the animal?s habitat and care from the source.”
According to the Baltimore City Health Code, city residents may own snakes and lizards under five feet long, and green iguanas over 30 inches long. Crocodylia and venomous reptiles are illegal to own.
MARS will also be collecting old cell phones and ink jet cartridges to recycle. The proceeds from the event are donated to the purchase of rainforest land and critical wildlife habitats.
IF YOU GO
15th Annual Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show
WHERE: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday
TICKETS: $9
