Our Programs

Children's Programs

Our children's programs introduce young learners to snakes and reptiles in a fun, approachable way. Children can learn about snake behavior, identification, native species, safety, and why snakes are important to the environment.

Programs are designed to make reptile education easy to understand without overwhelming younger audiences. Children may also have the opportunity to safely touch and hold a live snake under supervision.

Husbandry and ownership topics can also be introduced in a simplified, age-appropriate way.

Adult Programs

Adult programs provide a more in-depth look at reptiles and snakes, including their biology, behavior, ecology, conservation, and responsible ownership.

Programs can also cover detailed snake husbandry, enclosure setup, feeding, handling, health concerns, and what prospective owners should know before bringing a snake home.

School / Group Presentations

ScaleWise Education offers presentations for schools, homeschool groups, libraries, youth organizations, community groups, colleges, private organizations, and community events.

Presentations can be customized around the group's age, interests, and educational goals. Live nonvenomous snakes can be included when appropriate, giving participants the opportunity to experience reptile education firsthand.

Reptile Education

Our general reptile education program introduces participants to the world of reptiles and the roles they play in our ecosystems.

While snakes are the primary focus of ScaleWise Education, programs may also include lizards and other reptiles when they provide useful educational or ecological context. Topics may include reptile biology, behavior, identification, habitats, adaptations, ecosystem roles, common misconceptions, safe interaction, and conservation.

Native Reptile Education

This program focuses on the reptiles native to Arizona, with particular attention to the snakes of Mohave County and the surrounding region.

Participants learn how to recognize local reptiles, understand their behavior and habitats, and safely coexist with the wildlife living around them.

The goal is to help people recognize that the animals in their own backyards are part of the local ecosystem and deserve understanding and respect.

Conservation Programs

Our conservation programs focus on helping people understand why native reptiles matter and how people can coexist with them, including why snakes are important to ecosystems, how to safely respond when a snake is found, when to leave a snake alone, and when to contact a professional for humane removal and relocation.

ScaleWise does not encourage the public to handle venomous snakes. Venomous species may be discussed as part of educational programs, but participants are taught to leave them alone and contact an appropriate professional when removal is necessary.

Animal Care & Husbandry

These programs are designed for current and prospective reptile owners, covering species selection, enclosure setup, heating and humidity, substrate and furnishings, feeding and nutrition, handling, cleaning, health and common problems, parasites, and recognizing when veterinary care is needed.

Programs can be adapted for beginners or expanded into more detailed instruction for experienced keepers, with an emphasis on responsible, long-term commitment to keeping reptiles.

Safe Handling Education

Safe handling is incorporated into many ScaleWise programs rather than being limited to a single standalone class. Participants learn how to approach, support, and interact with snakes safely and respectfully.

Live nonvenomous snakes may be used to provide supervised hands-on experience. Handling opportunities depend on the individual program, the animal's temperament, the participants' age, and the safety of everyone involved.