"Snake Man" Jason Clark Brings Reptile Excitement to the 2006 Buckarama
By Rashida Stanley, Wildlife Biologist

In February of this year the Georgia Wildlife Federation's Fisharama® and Turkeyrama® featured a new exhibitor who excited, educated and captivated audiences with his exhibit of reptiles and wildlife conservation. Jason Clark, President of Southeastern Reptile Rescue, brought his educational exhibit which included 5 venomous snakes, several non-venomous snakes and a baby alligator. In addition to allowing the public to view his snakes in cages, he had a spectacular show in which he handled the snakes and educated the audience by dispelling myths about snakes and explaining the role of snakes in nature. Jason and his snakes were a big hit with both kids and adults.
Jason Clark discussed his organization and his involvement in wildlife conservation in an interview with GWF.

GEORGIA WILDLIFE FEDERATION: Jason, first of all, thank you and Southeastern Reptile Rescue for participating as an exhibitor at the 2006 Fisharama® and Turkeyrama®. You drew huge crowds there. Talk about your experience in February.

JASON: We had a great time. Everyone was very hospitable to us. The best thing about the show was getting to meet so many different people.

GWF: Tell us about Southeastern Reptile Rescue-its founding, mission and objectives.

JASON: Southeastern Reptile Rescue grew out of a passion for reptiles that I've had since I was about four or five years old. After years of dealing with people and their snake problems, I realized that conservation education about snakes is the best thing next to habitat preservation that I could do. Since zoos and nature centers will not take a pet snake, an owner would simply let it go in the wild without considering the consequences. The pythons in the Florida Everglades are a sobering example of what harm can come from this. To help ease the problem, I started taking in as many snakes as I had room for and then designed a system of adoption. Also, other people with indigenous snakes on their property could not afford the high prices of some exterminators, so I stepped things up a notch and formed Southeastern Reptile Rescue and SnakesAreUs.com. We wanted to solve these problems; the easiest and most efficient way to do so was to offer people free snake advice and inexpensive snake removal. We rescue mostly snakes but will take in turtles, lizards and even an alligator, if need be. Additionally, we are licensed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Our licenses allow us to remove and relocate native reptiles, as well as to house native reptiles and exhibit them to the public.

GWF: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being excellent), how would you rate the success of your Southeastern Reptile Rescue exhibit at GWF's February shows?

JASON: Definitely a 10! They proved to be an excellent opportunity to get our organization into the spotlight.

GWF: What did attendees at our show say about Southeastern Reptile Rescue and your organization's work?

JASON: Most didn't know a rescue organization for snakes even existed. After our Snakes of Georgia Encounter seminars, many people followed us back to our booth to tell us how bad they felt for killing snakes in the past and even though they still don't like reptiles, they'll think twice about killing another one.

GWF: What made you initially interested in participating in the Fisharama® and Turkeyrama® as an exhibitor?

JASON: The Georgia Wildlife Federation has an awesome reputation for on-going conservation efforts. What better organization for us to align ourselves with than GWF to assist in spreading the conservation message?

GWF: How and when did you first hear about the Georgia Wildlife Federation and our annual shows? What has been your involvement with GWF?

JASON: I had heard about GWF for years from my dad. He is an avid fisherman and hunter, so he knew all about the shows. Presently, my wife Sarah and I are Wildlife Steward Members. The 2006 Fisharama®/Turkeyramas® in February were our first time volunteering. We decided to join the GWF not long after the show.

GWF: Describe some of your organization's current work.

JASON: Our current work involves reptile education, reptile adoptions and reptile removal. When we do an educational event we bring live venomous and non-venomous snakes of Georgia. We focus on facts and spotlight the beneficial roles snakes play as a part of our environment. After the seminars, most people leave with a new found respect for reptiles, which helps the rest of nature as well, since every organism relies on others for survival. Additionally, our website offers free information such as snake identification, what to do if you are bitten and a guide to a snake-free yard.

GWF: Are you looking forward to the upcoming GWF 2006 Buckarama® in Atlanta and Perry?

JASON: I can't wait! For Buckaramas®, we will have even more snakes on display thanks to the Georgia Wildlife Federation for providing additional space. And thank you for this interview. I truly enjoyed it.

GWF will again feature the Southeastern Reptile Rescue in both Atlanta and Perry (see page 1 for locations, times and dates). With more Snakes of Georgia Encounter seminars and more reptiles than ever, you won't want to miss this show. For more information about this rescue organization or reptiles, go to www.SnakesAreUs.com. And be sure to come to the Georgia Wildlife Federation's 2006 Buckarama. It's sure to be WILD. See you there!

The Sportsman's Connection, January 2006, V14N2