What to expect at an outreach

If you are a member of PNWHS and have never had the opportunity to participate in an outreach, you don't know what you are missing out on! These events are our chance to interact with the general public with our animals and show them that reptiles are interesting, fun animals to keep as pets, and to respect in the wild.

We know that standing in front of a group of adults (or more commonly children) can be daunting. However you shouldn't fear. Simply being there with your animal to be seen and touched is the most important part of an outreach. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• You can expect that most people will want to at least pet your animal. Keep that in mind for bathing your animal (if possible) both before and after. Remember people hands carry more germs then your cute critter probably does.
• Speaking of germs, you will want to continually remind people to wash their hands EVEN if they are using a hand sanitizer that is commonly available at outreaches. And be sure to tell them NOT to eat anything until they do.
• Some people will want to hold your animal and this is entirely your call. If you feel ok with letting someone hold your animal, be sure to explain to them how to hold it. Remind them not to grab or squeeze, not to grab at the head or tail, etc.
• Remember to not place snakes around the neck. This is a dangerous technique that could result in someone being hurt. For smaller snakes and lizards let the person hold it in their hands in front of them. For larger snakes it is ok to use the "sash" method. This is where the snakes head is on one shoulder, and the body goes down the persons back, and under the opposite arm so that the hands can hold the rest of the body and tail. Close attention to still be paid that the animal doesn't surround the neck.
• People sometimes will try to argue that snakes and lizards are "icky" or "slimy". Don't worry. Calmly explain that you don't feel that way and offer to let them see your animal for themselves and find out personally that their opinion might be wrong.

Ok so that seems pretty reasonable right? But what about questions people ask? Believe it or not there are only a few questions that really come up. They basically are:

• What does it eat? Oh it eats rats/mice/etc, we buy them frozen and then thaw them out and the snake eats them!
• Does it bite? Well all these animals could bite, but we trust them enough to know they won't. Just like you trust your cat or dog not to.
• Is it poisonous/venomous? No, we don't bring animals like that into public.
• Is it a rattlesnake/cobra/death adder/whatever Steve Irwin was holding in the show they were watching this morning? No...
• Does it bite? No like I said above... it can but it won't.
• I was once bitten by a cobra, have you ever been bitten? A cobra huh? Like the ones you see in your backyard? Yes I have been bitten...
• Where does it come from? Whatever country of origin.
• Does it bite? Didn't we go over this already? Yes it can, no it won't.
• What kind of snake is that? Insert name and species here.
• How does it poop??? Well there is this spot back here...
• Where can I get one? Come to our meetings and adopt one!
• Does it bite? Ooooo look at that guys snake, you should go talk to him!

Remember that we are trying to represent these animals in good light. So think about your answers and answer gently but honestly.