Here at the Southwest Serpentarium we strive to provide the finest in captive bred reptiles from around the world. We currently work with 70 different forms of snakes (species or morphs) and are expecting offspring from approximately 75-80% of our collection. Currently in the process of developing a live museum, the Serpentarium is being operated as a private facility at the moment until the museum itself is completed at its location on highway 549. Upon completion we will be exhibiting snakes from all continents, in naturalistic displays as well as some species in outdoor live enclosures. We look forward to its completion and eventual opening to the general public to further educate about reptiles and their benefits as well as their natural beauty.

We also offer captive born and bred offspring from what is maintained here in our private collection, those progeny will be available from time to time through out the year. Anything kept in our collection is always paired with mates whenever possible, nearly all our species or morphs are paired with 3-5% not having mates at this time. Why breed reptiles? Aside from the fascination with snakes , the amazing array of colors and patterns...they are purely a unique experience to work with. In the wilds, some species populations are declining at alarming rates. Whether this is from collecting for commercial trade or displacement from agriculture or residential development, the need for captive produced animals to ease the strain on wild populations being collected is certainly being seen. Many years ago, the Dumeril's boa was an example of an animal in peril. With so few specimens actually making it into zoological institutions or private collections, it was questionable whether or not they would ever become established in captivity. In a span of twenty years, this species is now commonly available with no animals being pulled from the wild, all thanks to the efforts of zoos and private collectors who succeeded in the goal of propagation of this wonderful species. Now we turn our sights to other species we can maintain under captive conditions and hope to have the same success.



Where it all began. For some of us as children we don't have the understanding of a parent that will allow you to keep reptiles, this was my story. My experiences with reptiles was only left to the few encounters in the wild as a youngster. Eventually after leaving the family home I immediately began keeping snakes in my own home. After keeping a few odds and ends native North Carolina species I soon purchased my first snake, a Queensland Carpet python. Open the gates and let the flood begin!! Not long after purchasing that Carpet python did I find myself working for the same store that sold him to me. My beginnings were working in the reptile department of Animal Jungle in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The person likely responsible for opening the doors to captive breeding and the enormous variety of snakes to be kept was Greg Lieurance (formerly with Rare Earth). It was at this time I began to see the fun involved with captive breeding of snakes, in particular with the varieties of cornsnakes coming out (snow corns had barely been recorded then). After a year of Virginia, I decided to move back to my childhood stomping grounds... El Paso, Texas. Eventually this would lead me into what would become my passion-species to work with, the Banded Rock Rattlesnake. In a matter of five years we built up a collection of snakes numbering over 340 animals, consisting of boas, pythons, king snakes, milk snakes, rat snakes as well as a few rattlesnakes and European vipers. As most collections do, they go through changes, owners find other interests and part with those not catching their attention any more. Mine eventually led into a large collection of Rock rattlesnakes from many localities, a rather sizable group of European vipers and many forms of boas and pythons as well.

We now have a well rounded collection, going back to the boas and pythons with a refocus on European Vipera and Crotalids. There really is nothing like seeing a newborn litter of boas squirming around in a cage next to mom. Nor is there anything as awesome as a clutch of Green Tree pythons pipping the eggs after a full season of preparation finally pays off! You may say I keep a little of everything... snakes are like Lays potato chips.. "you can't stop at just one!"



Happy Herping! Sincerely,

James D. Bear

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