Micky and Tamara Meyers are Class II Wildlife breeders, which means they can legally own venomous or non-venomous snakes. They keep their snakes in a room that uses a keypad code to enter. Each snake is in a temperature controlled environment with clean bedding, fresh and frozen mice, and clean water. The couple believes that education is extremely important, and prioritizes correct animal care above all else. Anyone who is interested in a snake needs to understand how large they will get and what type of care they will require in the future. It is vital not to release captive bred snakes into the environment, especially those that are not local to the area. This can be detrimental to the ecosystem.
Another focus is on teaching people the patterns of local snakes. In Missouri, the native venomous snakes are Cottonmouths, Copperheads, and Rattlesnakes. Non-venomous snakes include Garter, Racers, Rat, Hognose, and Black Snakes. It is important to be able to identify a snake, and if it is hard to tell, treat the animal as if it is venomous and observe it from a safe distance. Snakes do not want to bite people, but it is better to err on the side of caution if you are unsure.
The couple has received several nominations from The Reptile Report for the Business of the Year award. Not only do they have their Show Me Reptiles & Exotics Show, but they stop at local schools to help educate students as well. They also offer free educational programs to first responders and firefighters in case of the event that an emergency involves snakes or other reptiles. In St. Louis, the couple also helped create the Gateway Herpetology and Entomology Club. Both Micky and Tamara are very well educated in their craft, so be sure to stop out and learn about these animals from their Show Me Reptiles & Exotics Show!
Information courtsey of Rural Missouri via https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ruralmissouri/201905/index.php#/p/36
Image courtsey of Seregraff/https://www.shutterstock.com/
