Jason Clark Brings Snake Show to Local Libraries

Jason Clark, founder and CEO of Southeastern Reptile Rescue, brought multiple snakes to the Treutlen County Library on Thursday, June 12, and the Montgomery County Public Library on Wednesday, June 18, as part of the libraries’ summer programming.

According to Clark, the library program is to instill an “appreciation for wildlife” into attendees.

“If you can appreciate a snake, you can appreciate anything,” he said.

During the performance, Clark showcased nonvenomous snakes, including the black rat snake and the king snake, and venomous snakes, including the copperhead and rattlesnake. While showing the snakes to the audience, Clark also asked attendees about their knowledge regarding common myths regarding snakes in order to correct misinformation.

Clark also regularly startled attendees with jokes and a box with fake spring-loaded snakes to relieve tension caused by attendees’ preconceptions about snakes.

“Because there’s snakes, because there’s misinformation, that creates fear,” Clark said. “So, because there’s fear, there’s tension, so if several times during the show, without using an actual snake, I can break that tension. The calmest times are when the snake’s out.”

According to Clark, his love of reptiles began at seven years old, leading to a 30 year long career of snake catching in Georgia. Clark, a former law enforcement officer, and Southeastern Reptile Rescue regularly collaborate with state and federal law enforcement, offering training to officers and canine units on handling snakes, as well as assisting with reptile-related evidence.

Clark has also assisted with several major film productions, and has featured in several documentaries and commercials. He also operates the YouTube channel SnakesAreUsTV and a podcast of the same name, which he recommended to program attendees to learn more about snakes.