COURT HOUSE — They may have scale and tales, but reptiles and amphibians are growing in popularity instead of causing apprehension.
In response to the positive change in the creatures’ reputation, the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program added a herpetology club, aptly titled Scales & Tails, last fall. After nearly a year of learning and working with critters that slither and hiss, the club members will be showing their animals and be on hand to answer questions during the annual 4-H fair at the Lockwood 4-H Youth Center July 17-19.
The study of amphibians and reptiles is called herpetology, and these animals are commonly called herps. The club is led by Louise Sugar and her son David and it focuses on all things reptilian and amphibian.
Members of the club learn which reptiles and amphibians are legal to own in New Jersey, which you need a state permit to own and how to properly care for the animals once you have them.
“Too many people buy reptiles or amphibians and don’t know how to take care of them properly,” said Louise Sugar, whose been involved in 4-H youth programs for the last six years. “By educating young people we hope to change those situations where an animal may be purchased without the owners knowing anything about proper care.”
Sugar said that during monthly meetings, the club focuses on education on the correct kind of care and also what is happening with each member’s animal.
“We talk about what kind of environment that the animals are living and thriving in, the health of the animals and biosecurity,” said Sugar.
Biosecurity, she explained, is maintaining a clean environment for the animals and remembering to thoroughly wash hands when handing any reptiles or amphibians.
“We also talk about what not to do, like taking an animal out of nature and trying to make it into a pet or trying to help a hurt wild animal without the guidance of a professional,” she said.
The club members also have taken a behind scenes trip to the Cape May County Zoo and got an up-close look at how the keepers care for the zoo’s population of herps. They are planning a series of nature hikes in the coming year.
Sugar said that currently the most popular reptile in the club is leopard geckos. However, her families’ own collection of animals fill out the roster for the Scales & Tails club. She said that a red tailed boa, three bearded dragons, a chameleon that is currently being nursed back to health and even a tarantula are part of the collection of creatures she and her children care for.
“My kids have been exposed to all sorts of animals all their lives,” Sugar noted. “From dogs to parakeets, to snakes and lizards, we’ve even had a hedgehog.”
Sugar said that she hopes the herpetology club continues to grow and added that youth members can join the club even if they don’t have their own animals.
“All they have to have is an interest in learning and wanting to know more about amphibians and reptiles,” she said.
The herpetology club normally meets the first Friday of the month, beginning in the fall, at 7 p.m. at the Lockwood 4-H Youth Center on the 4-H fairgrounds. 4-H is free for anyone interested in joining who is in fourth grade through one year out of high school. There is also a Cloverbud 4-H program for kids in kindergarten through third grade.
Don’t forget the fair: The annual 4-H fair runs July 17 – 19 at the 4-H fairgrounds located at 355 Court House – South Dennis Road in Cape May Court House. Public hours for the fair are noon to 9 p.m. Thurs. and Fri. and noon to 10 p.m. on Sat. Admission is free and there is a host of fun events Thursday through Sat.
Friday evening at the fair brings a concert by rising country music star and Ventnor native Mia Bergman and her band. New events on Sat. include an antique car show by the Jersey Cape Cruisers from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a Saw Dogs’ Chain Saw Artist Demonstration and Auction. Throughout the fair there will be camel rides, a farmers’ market and a beach bag give-a-way by the CMC 4-H Foundation,
Wizard’s Festival of Fun Amusements will return to the fair this summer with thrilling, safe rides for the whole family, along with new and returning commercial and educational exhibitors. The popular Children’s Pet Show, sponsored by Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies, will take place July 19, beginning at 9 a.m. on the main stage. All children are invited to bring their favorite dogs, cats, rabbits and other unusual pets for many fun classes, including costumes. Trophies, gift certificates or ribbons will be awarded in all classes. The entry fee is $1 per class.
The 4-H Youth Development program is part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. Volunteers are always needed to assist at the 4-H Fair. Please call (609) 465-5115 ext. 605 for more information. Learn more about the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program and the 4-H Fair at the 4-H Foundation website cmc4h.com
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