If you love snakes or are frightened by them, you might want to check out the reptile educational demonstration at the New York State Fair this year. Today we get a sneak peek in this edition of Pet Pointers.

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Terry Norris is a long time reptile fan and educator at the Veterinary Hall of Health at the NYS Fair and is excited to share his knowledge with people of all ages, especially kids.

Norris said, "I like talking with people. Kids are particularly receptive. The doors open, a family comes through the door, kids say, 'oh snakes,' and boom they come right up front."
While most people prefer pets with fur or even feathers, reptiles can make fascinating pets for young people. Norris tells us why.

He said, "Snakes only eat once a week. They can go without food for two or three weeks and still survive. Feed them, give them a big water dish and go away for a week or two and come back and they didn't even know you were gone. And because they eat once a week, they only mess up their cage once a week. It's not like guinea pigs where every day you have to be in there cleaning that stuff up because mom will scream and holler, that it stinks too much."

Norris keeps only non-venomous snakes that he uses during his demonstrations like corn snakes and pythons and will discuss snake species native to New York State, other non-native species and how to care for snakes kept as pets.
Like any other animal snakes need food, a proper shelter and the right care to live a long healthy life, be sure you understand how to care for them properly before you bring one home.

HALL OF VETERINARY HEALTH SCHEDULE
Thursday 8/23
Terry Norris will do an educational presentation featuring live snakes at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Come and see snakes up close, and learn important facts about their care.