October is spooky season. For some people, reptiles fall into the creepy category. Maybe that's why October 21 was chosen as National Reptile Awareness Day, but are reptiles actually scary — or just misunderstood?
It's estimated that 5-10% of people experience some form of herpetephobia (a fear of reptiles). Many scientists believe the fear is evolutionary. Early humans encountered snakes and other venomous reptiles, and bites of these animals were almost always fatal.
While there are venomous reptiles, they are relatively rare. Less than 7% of snakes are harmful to humans, and the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States.
National Reptile Awareness Day is the perfect time to learn about and appreciate the diverse world of reptiles — including snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, and alligators. These creatures are quite fascinating and play an essential role in our ecosystems. We have five delightful ways to celebrate reptiles on October 21... or anytime you feel like slithering into some fun!
1. Start with a giggle.
We hope you think this joke is as hissss-terical as we did!
Q. How do turtles communicate with each other?
A. With shell-phones!
2. Educate yourself.
Reptiles share several key characteristics that distinguish them from amphibians, mammals, and other classes of animals.
- Skin: Reptiles typically have dry, scaly skin.
- Blood: Reptiles are considered cold-blooded, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature,
- Eggs: Reptiles lay eggs with tough shells on land.
- Lungs: Reptiles primarily breathe through their lungs.
3. Make a craft.
Crafts provide a hands-on activity where kids can be creative while learning about different reptiles. Plus, you can use googly eyes, the best thing about any craft, IMO!
Cut a paper plate into a spiral shape to resemble a snake's body or make snake sock puppets.
Paint your child's hand with different colors like green, red, and brown, then press onto a piece of paper. Draw a mouth and add googly eyes, and you've got a colorful chameleon.
Use leftover egg cartons, paint, construction paper, and googly eyes to make adorable egg carton turtles.
4. Meet some live reptiles.
Denver and the Front Range area offer several places to see and learn about reptiles. Here are our favorites:
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs): The Scutes Family Gallery, my family's top pick, is home to more than 40 species in beautiful and artistic displays. Two American alligators also live here.
- Denver Zoo (Denver): Tropical Discovery features slithery snakes and giant reptiles like Komodo dragons and Daphne the Siamese crocodile. The Zoo also offers an Up-Close Look event for small groups.
- Downtown Aquarium (Denver): Although primarily focused on marine life, they have a few snakes and turtles.
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (Commerce City): You may encounter native reptiles, like snakes, turtles, and lizards, in their natural habitat while on a hike
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park (Mosca): The San Luis Valley is home to a unique destination where you can see and interact with hundreds of rescued reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, caiman, tortoises, and turtles.
Are you planning a trip to Rapid City, SD, to see Mount Rushmore? Add a visit to the Reptile Gardens to your itinerary! This family-owned destination has more reptile species than any other zoo or park in the world. We couldn't get enough of the giant Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises!
5. Make it a movie night.
There are several movies featuring various reptilian characters that provide entertainment and adventure. Click any title to borrow it from Englewood Library.
- Finding Nemo (G): This classic family film features Crush, everyone's favorite sea turtle.
- The Land Before Time (G): Starring the original reptiles, this animated film is about a group of young dinosaur friends journeying to find a new home.
- The Princess and the Frog (G): While not focused on reptiles, this animated movie includes Louis, an adorable alligator who dreams of being a jazz musician.
- The Bad Guys (PG): Based on Aaron Blabey's hilarious book, the "seen-it-all safecracker Mr. Snake" is just one of the funny stars in this animated comedy.
- The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (PG): A comedy-adventure film featuring the real-life "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, as he tries to save a crocodile from poachers.
- Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG): Based on the best-selling book by Bernard Waber, this live-action movie is about a crocodile who lives in New York City.
- Rango (PG): An animated comedy-adventure film about a chameleon who becomes the sheriff of a Wild West town.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG-13): This live-action film stars the popular crime-fighting turtles: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael.
