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| Reptile Man shows beasts to Kooskia kids |
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| Students were in awe of creatures including an alligator, lizards, rattlesnake and a large python |
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 | | Free Press/Lorie Palmer | | Reptile Man Scott Petersen of Monroe, Wash., brought his traveling zoo to Clearwater Valley Elementary School in Kooskia Thursday, Jan. 26. Here, student Cadence Stoddard is surrounded by one of Petersen’s snakes. |
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By Lorie Palmer - community editor, ICFP
KOOSKIA -- Eyebrows were raised, gasps could be heard and squeals sliced through the gym at Clearwater Valley Elementary School.
"He's a nice guy -- he's just scared," said Scott Petersen, holding a large snapping turtle.
The self-proclaimed Reptile Man Scott brought his show reptile zoo to the school Thursday, Jan. 26, in both afternoon and an evening show.
Petersen, who runs The Washington Serpentarium in Monroe, Wash., was brought in by the CV PTSA.
Students were in awe of creatures including an alligator, lizards, rattlesnake and a large python.
"Do snakes chase people?" asked Petersen. "No, they are scared of people."
Petersen, who has a degree in zoology, told kids not to run from snakes but to be observant when they hear a rattle or see a snake.
"Just walk far around them," he said.
Petersen also asked the kids to make a vow.
"When you're a grown-up, promise me you won't kill snakes," he said. "They are an important part of out ecosystem, eating lots of mice and rats that eat crops and seeds."
Petersen told the students the only lizard that will attack a human unprovoked is a Komodo Dragon, which "can grow to 10 feet long and eat a human," he said.
Petersen informed the kids he had previously removed the poison sacks from all of his snakes but "there is something else to worry about with snakes. What is it?" he asked.
"Fangs!" a chorus of kids rang out excitedly.
All children were encouraged to pet a small, female alligator as they left the assembly.
"Just promise me you'll wash your hands when you leave," Petersen smiled. "Not because she's [the alligator] dirty but because all of these germy hands are touching her."
To learn more about Petersen's reptile zoo or his traveling show, log onto www.reptileman.com
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