The Oregon Reptile Man Visits The Dalles Wasco County Library

“Kids love reptiles. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Reptiles and kids.” - The Oregon Reptile Man.

By Cole Goodwin

The Oregon Reptile Man, Richard Richey delivered a fun and educational hour-long program featuring over a dozen different reptiles including an alligator, de-venomized diamondback rattlesnake, a king cobra and a burmese python named Julius Squeezer, at The Dalles Wasco County Library on August 9th, 2022. 

Children and adults from around the County and the Gorge squealed in delight as Richard Richey told stories about how each reptile came into his possession. 

The Oregon Reptile Man and volunteers from the crowd hold a king cobra. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

Many of the reptiles were gifted to the Reptile Man following unfortunate circumstances, including bites, squeezings, and frightening situations involving other pets.

Richey recounted the tale of one unfortunate owner and his dog in which the poor fellow had forgotten to close the cage of the King Cobra and had subsequently been chased around the house by the still venomous snake. 

However the Reptile Man assured the crowd that every single one of those incidents were preventable and explained each reptile's defense mechanism and how to properly care for each reptile.

For example: snakes hiss when they are on the ground to warn you that they are there because they do not want to be stepped on, but when you pick them up, they don’t hiss. A diamondback rattlesnake rattles for a similar reason, it is warning you to stay away and not to step on it. 

Another helpful tip: it’s not a good idea to reach into a snake's cage with your hand to pick it up. Snakes are very aware of threats coming from above, so it’s better to use a snake hook to pick them up. 

A The Dalles local Lilly, age 12, holds a corn snake. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

The crowd was very receptive if a bit rowdy from excitement, oooing, awwing, gasping, and laughing along with Richey as he told them stories. Hands were quick to shoot up when The Reptile Man asked questions like what a rattlesnake rattle is made from (Keratin) and for volunteers to come up and hold the animals. 

The Reptile Man, who has been delivering reptile education programs for over 31 years, also stressed the importance of showing animals the proper respect and love that they deserve before handling them. 

Rory, age 10, holding a geico. Rorgy traveled from Dufur to enjoy the program. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

Overall Richey said that he felt the program went very well. 

“I like libraries,” said Richey, AKA The “The kids are a bit more subdued than they are in their own homes for birthday parties. And kids love reptiles. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Reptiles and kids.”

Richey also advocated for the importance of having safe in-person experiences with wild animals and reptiles in particular.

“If we remove live animals from human consciousness, eyes, and other senses, animals will eventually be removed from the earth as well. For love, respect, compassion, and knowledge rises from such experiences, and continues to evolve into conservation efforts in all its various forms,” said Richey

For more information about the Oregon Reptile Man visit oregonreptileman.com.

For more information about upcoming events at The Dalles Wasco County Library this August click here.