WINNIPEG SUN (Manitoba) 04 March 06 In cold blood ...Slither in to reptile retailer shop (Adam Clayton)
If it's creepy and crawly, chances are this store has it.
River City Reptiles -- a pet store devoted exclusively to cold-blooded critters -- opened for business yesterday. The store, at 3246 Portage Ave., has more than 80 tanks full of exotic creatures, including 30 varieties of snakes.
Owner Ryan Dunbar introduced to Winnipeggers a specially bred leopard gecko, a couple of snakes and a Brazilian black tarantula during an appearance on FREQ 107 radio station yesterday morning.
Dunbar, 34, said he believes there is a market for a reptile-only pet store.
"The hobby is growing," he said. "There's more and more enthusiasts that are out there, and I think that people are looking for a store they can bond with rather than just walking into a regular pet store than sells a couple of reptiles."
A leopard gecko, one of the store's more popular animals, costs about $40, while a baby crested gecko -- which has adhesive-like pads on its toes and a prehensile tail capable of grasping objects -- will set you back about $100.
Of River City's scaly inhabitants, the most expensive is a jaguar python, a specially-bred jungle carpet snake with a $4,000 price tag.
Store manager Jason Neustaedter has been a reptile enthusiast for more than a decade and has more than 30 at home, including some crested geckos he is breeding.
"I just hatched some last night; by the time I get home tonight that will be a bigger number," he said. "My incubator is hopping right now."
Neustaedter said most people feel more comfortable around lizards and snakes once they touch them and learn a bit about them. Still, Neustaedter said some people just find it strange that he keeps so many reptiles in his home.
"Some people think it's creepy. I know my next-door neighbour can't believe that I actually have a lizard at my house," he said. "His stomping foot would be out if it was over at his house."
Slither in to reptile retailer shop