Can you imagine tiny, relentless invaders disrupting the peace of your reptile enclosures? Join us on a fascinating journey as we unpack the world of Ophionyssus Natricis, the notorious reptile mites described in 1844. Learn how these tiny pests have evolved to thrive in environments that mimic common reptile setups, wreaking havoc for captive and wild reptiles. We’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of their five life stages and the environmental conditions that fuel their rapid lifecycle.

Ever wondered why your snake is spending more time in its water bowl or if certain species, like the false water cobra, possess natural defenses against mites? We tackle these questions head-on, sharing our experiences with various treatment methods, including the strategic use of predatory mites and the application of diluted ivermectin spray. Get practical advice on managing and eliminating these pests, ensuring the health and comfort of your reptilian friends.

Hear the candid recounting of our own battles with unexpected mite infestations, starting with a Brazilian rainbow boa, Waffle. Discover the challenges we faced transitioning from bioactive setups to simpler environments and the crucial role of veterinary care in managing infestations. Through our story, gain insights into the importance of community support and the shared journey of overcoming these common, yet manageable, reptile challenges.

Join us for a spirited discussion about husbandry, ethical keeping, and whether those with a platform should be models for the community—and if so, how we think they are doing? We discuss proper husbandry, YouTube reptile celebrities, and taking bites for clicks. Most importantly, we'd like to hear from you. Let us know what you think.

Get ready to slither into the fascinating world of reptiles with the latest episode of USARK Florida Unleashed! Join hosts George, Cassie, and Chris as they welcome Shira Loa from Snake Therapy. Discover how a snake dropped into her hands sparked Shira’s passion for snake intelligence and transformed her fear into a deep connection with these misunderstood creatures. Learn about Shira's mission to bridge the gap between snake lovers and haters, her work with the Little Zoo, and the therapeutic benefits reptiles offer for conditions like ADHD and anxiety. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that may change the way you think about snakes!

Snake Therapy with Shira Loa on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSDWO8GhxQCKcewURjawnww

Snake Therapy with Shira Loa on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SnakeTherapywithShiraLoa

Welcome to part 2 of the inaugural episode of USARK-FL Unleased. Your hosts, Cassie, George, and Chris, sit down for a conversation with USARK-FL President Elizabeth Wisneski and Director of Media Daniel Parker. In this episode, we learn about some of the history of USARK-FL, some of the goals and initiatives and what reptile keepers in Florida (and the entire United States) can do to protect your ability to keep these animals.

Welcome to part 1 of the inaugural episode of USARK-FL Unleased. Your hosts, Cassie, George, and Chris, sit down for a conversation with USARK-FL President Elizabeth Wisneski and Director of Media Daniel Parker. In this inaugural episode, you meet the podcast hosts and learn a little about Elizabeth and Daniel.