MEET SOME OF NATURE’S CRITTERS

THE REPTILES:
Monty (15 years old) and Monty Jr. (2 years old) are Ball Pythons. Both are captive-bred. These gentle animals are disappearing in the wild due to over-hunting and habitat destruction.  Native to Africa, they are now protected in several countries on the west coast.  When startled, they curl into balls hiding their heads inside.

Puff (4 years old) and Adder (1 year old) are Western Hognose Snakes. These harmless snakes will puff up then roll over and play dead when startled. They are found near wetlands although their numbers are declining.

Airhead (4 years old) is a Leopard Gecko. Her sweet personality and the unusual characteristic of being able to see through her head make her a favorite with kids of all ages.  Geckoes are great nocturnal hunters-feasting on bugs!

THE MAMMALS:
B.B. (4 years old) and Houdini are Short-Tail Tree Opossums, the smallest members of the opossum family. These furry critters are agile tree-dwellers, running along the branches at night. Kids love to feel their little feet as they run along their arms.

Lucky (5 years old), Spike (3 years old), Bugsie and Ms. Prickles (1 year old) are Pygmy hedgehogs from Africa. Their poky quills protect them from potential enemies when they roll into little balls. Their curious noses are always in  search of their favorite food ... mealworms!

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Many of Nature’s Critters have come to live with Julie Allen because they were unsuitable as personal pets. Please be careful when purchasing any animal. Always ask these questions:

Where did the animal come from? If animals are taken from the wild, it damages existing populations by putting the species in jeopardy. Never buy wild-caught animals. Do not turn backyard animal visitors into pets. Support local breeders by purchasing healthy captive-bred animals.

How long will the animal live? Many species have life spans longer than ours. Are you prepared to take care of the animal for the rest of your life ... perhaps even passing it along to future generations? Please do not get animals as pets unless you’re prepared to make a lifelong commitment (their life). It is not healthy (physically or emotionally) for animals to move from household to household.

How big will the animal get? It’s easy to be captivated by a baby Burmese python ... but where will you put it when it reaches 20 feet or longer in length and weighs over 200 lbs.? Can you control an animal that size? Many animals are unsuitable as pets because their natural growth requires an enormous amount of space. These animals are routinely destroyed because someone made an irresponsible choice for a pet.

"Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is just as important for the child as it is for the caterpillar."

- Bradley Miller