Mike Clark, Jason's Dad, is a permanent fixture at every event that is ever put on by Southeastern Reptile Rescue. We are always receiving calls from people wanting jobs, some want to volunteer and others want to intern and learn the ropes of venomous snake handling. Fortunately, with Mike's assistance, we have never had to hire anyone because he has never missed a show. When Jason presents a one hour snake program somewhere, much more time and work goes into that one presentation than just what you see on stage. First of all, the snakes and alligators have to be removed from their enclosures and placed in their individual transport boxes. Then the animals, tables, handling equipment, sound systems and much more has to be loaded on the truck, unloaded once we reach the event and then transported back to our facility and is unloaded again. Without Mike's help, this would be a daunting task that would be impossible to accomplish alone. Long before our now busy schedule, Mike was already nurturing Jason's enthusiasm for snakes. Knowing that Jason wanted a snake of his own, Mike brought one home when Jason was about six years old. All Mike told Jason was that there was a surprise for him on the front seat of the truck. Jason eagerly climbed in the truck and found a brown paper sack with the top rolled shut. As Jason opened the bag, he found a six foot black rat snake coiled up inside. Even though Jason really liked snakes, he wouldn't do much more than look at this one until he was later taught a little bit more about them. Many of the fishing trips that Jason would accompany Mike on when he was young would end up with Jason abandoning his pole and searching for snakes and turtles. So, Mike made Jason a turtle basket in which they placed a can of dog food and tossed into the water. Mike would often take Jason to local ponds where he would toss out the basket and then return later to see what they caught. Luckily, Jason was raised by two very understanding and tolerant parents who supported their sons admittedly strange interests that blossomed into what is today, Southeastern Reptile Rescue.