MESA, Ariz. — Your Friendly Neighborhood Bug Dealer, American Balls and Reptiles and Scales Fins and Feathers. These are just a few of the vendors who came out to Repticon in Mesa this weekend to showcase the scaled serpents and creepy crawly critters they have up for sale, just waiting to slither and skitter home with you.
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Reptile lovers from across the Valley flocked to the event to check out all the fun and unique pets they could add to their families.
They weren't disappointed with the vast array of snakes, lizards and bugs on display at this year's Repticon at the Mesa Convention Center.
But experts warn that before you bring home any of these exotic pets, be sure you know what you're getting into.
Snake breeder Brian Fontaine stressed how important it is to do your homework and research. You need to be sure the pet is the right fit for you and you are the right fit for the pet.
“Talk to pet stores. Talk to breeders. Come into these, this is what we're about. All about education here. Letting the public know about these animals and what it takes to take care of them," said Fontaine.
You should also be aware that bringing one of these animals into your home won't be a short-term responsibility.
Fontaine said spiders and tarantulas can live five to six years and some reptiles can live 25 to 30 years.
"It's a long life commitment, period,” said Fontaine.
If you missed this edition of Repticon, don't worry, it will be back. The traveling reptile show will return to the Mesa Convention Center on the weekend of Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. For more information, click here. Repticon will also make stops in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Maryland, Colorado and California in 2024.
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