Talkin About Reptiles

Innisfail Booster, September 21/2002

        Here, James Barbas, left, and Dean Harper demonstrate with a carrot what would happen if someone accidentally put their fingers near an Alligator Snapping Turtle's mouth.  Basically a person would not have a finger left.  

        This turtle and many other reptiles were part of the Wrappin About Reptiles show that took place at the Century Theatre on Sept. 21.  Animals included: tortoises, a toad, a hissing cockroach, a Honduran milksnake, boa constrictor, Burmese python and many others.  

        Harper and Barbas provided the kids and parents with many interesting facts and the history of each animal they brought out on stage.  After the show, the kids were able to touch some of the reptiles.  

        Together, Harper and Barbas have about 200 reptiles in their reptile collection.  

        The goal of this program is to give the public a chance to see why they are important to the ecosystem and why we should not fear them; but respect them.  

        The overall goal is to help and protect and save reptiles so that future generations will be able to see and appreciate them.  

        Wrappin About reptiles got started back in 1995 when they were known simply as "The Reptile Guys."  The company was started by Dean Harper, with barbas, joining shortly after.

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