October 21st is Reptile Awareness Day. Reptiles may never be the most popular group of animals on the planet, but they are quite fascinating, and serve crucial roles in the ecosystem, feeding on rats, mice, and other vermin. A Lexington, KY vet puts reptiles in the spotlight in this article.

Adoption

Reptiles definitely have some unique charms: they’re quiet, clean, and don’t need much day-to-day care. Some are even cuddly … sort of. They’re also absolutely fascinating to watch. That said, adopting any pet is a huge decision, and one that requires a lot of thought and research. Reptiles vary drastically in their care needs, size, habitat requirements, and diets. Some are definitely better options for children or newbie reptile owners than others. For a child, you’ll want to choose something that is easy to care for and won’t get too large, such as a green anole, Leopard Gecko, Russian tortoise, or Bearded dragon. Ask your vet for more information.

Research

Sharing a few informative articles or infographics can go a long way about spreading awareness about the issues they face. Three of the biggest issues are habitat loss, illegal capture, and irresponsible sales and breeding. It’s all too common for people to adopt reptiles without realizing how much care they need … or, in some cases, how much space they’ll need. If you’re considering adopting a reptile, go through a reputable store or breeder, and make sure you understand what you’re in for. Find a great reptile vet, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what we’re here for!

Helping Reptiles

To be clear, we’re definitely not suggesting inviting dangerous reptiles onto your property. (We have four poisonous snakes here in Kentucky: the copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, and pigmy rattlesnake, all of whom are pit vipers and none of which make good roommates.) However, you can help smaller species by supporting conservation efforts and legislation that cracks down on black market reptile traders. Switching to eco-friendly products can also help.  

Choose Reptile Entertainment

There are some great reptile books, movies, and documentaries out there. A Godzilla or Jurassic Park movie are perfect choices. If you’re in the mood for something spooky, goofy, or both, opt for Crawl, Lake Placid, or Alligator. You can also choose a fun reptile story to read to your youngsters. Or, have the kids draw or write something reptile-themed. Do you have questions about reptile care? Contact us, your local Lexington, KY animal hospital, anytime!