WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY
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Their body armor
Reptiles are known for having thick skin, literally. Their armored body is made up of scales or boney plates (yes, some have their bones on the outside) to protect them from the daily wear and tear. How cool is that?!
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Lizards, turtles, and snakes, oh my!
Because some of the most awesome characters/creatures on TV, or in the films we watch, are reptiles. They are sometimes dramatized to be huge and scary, like Godzilla, and other times are hilarious, like the Geico Gecko.
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They make the best pets
No backyard to have a dog? No problem! Most reptiles can be kept indoors in naturally adorned tanks. They are easily maintained and make for an educational experience for kids learning about the environment.
NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY ACTIVITIES
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Donate to a reptile conservation program
There are a lot of different organizations that want to continue educating the public about our reptilian friends. One way they do this is by also advocating for us to have the ability to keep reptiles as pets. Donate to your favourite organization to help them continue being the voice for reptiles.
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Visit a National Park
Regardless of what part of the country you live in, reptiles play a major part in your ecosystem. By visiting your nearest national park, you’re helping promote a place that is dedicated to preserving the natural habitats for all animals that live in that area – including, of course, the reptiles. Some notably reptilian parks are Joshua Tree, Big Bend, and the Everglades.
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Identify a reptile (or two, or three)
Consumer science is an important part of helping researchers understand where our cold-blooded friends live and their population densities. Many identification apps are created by institutions to help draw in that data. If you see a lizard or other reptile, use an app to ID it. This helps scientists understand where certain populations live and how well they’re adapting among us. The Audubon Reptiles & Amphibians app is a great place to start.
