BILLINGS, Mont. – For two days, reptile, amphibian and even arachnid enthusiasts could buy whatever they needed for their pets as the Big Sky Reptile Expo returned to the Magic City for its fifth year.
There were also many opportunities to purchase a wide variety of animals, and the fair provided an opportunity for like-minded people to come together and, in some cases, to network.
However, according to Mr. James, one of the planners, the most important purpose of the Expo was to Dvorak, We are spreading the knowledge and understanding gained through participation.
“It's education. That's the trick. People come in and say, I hate snakes, I want to kill this snake, or the only good snake is a dead snake. There are a lot of people like that,” Dvorak said. , they just aren't educated.” ”
He goes on to say, “Usually, at least 10 people with snake phobia come in, and during the children's show, I try to get them to actually try the snake. ”
Dvorak also hopes the expo will give people a chance to meet animals that are considered scary and face their fears head-on.
We will then introduce and recruit people who are interested in the world of alternative pets.
Dvorak said that keeping reptiles and amphibians in Montana has “really grown in popularity over the last 10 years, and in the last five years, Big Sky Reptiles has collaborated with many other vendors to really bring diversity and more to the industry here.” “I've worked hard to bring it to fruition.” ”
After this, the next stop for the Big Sky Reptile Expo is Helena. At the end of June, they will return to the state Capitol for the first time in nearly a decade.
