June Newsletter (USARK)

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In 2 parts for length-

USARK Work in June The summer heat did not slow us down! USARK was in California for the LA Pet Fair and a Board meeting, Indiana to testify on behalf of responsible herpetoculturists, Texas to raise money for crocodile conservation, Florida for the International Herpetological Symposium, and Washington, D.C. to wrap up the month. LA Pet Fair in Pomona, CA It was another great weekend full of herps, fish, birds, and plants. The USARK Board of Directors and staff met on Thursday before the show. As always, there was much to discuss and plan for the year ahead. Beautiful blooms and bonsais. Fine feathered friends. Marine and freshwater, the aquatics displays were out of this world! From the top, 1: Solomon's Giant Panther chameleon from West Coast Chameleon Brothers. 2: A member of the Southern California Aquatic Plants Enthusiasts shows off some of his fish for sale. 3: A Cup of Eden brought some outreach animals. 4: Niki from Josh's Frogs rockin' on Saturday. Thank you to the Reptile Super Show for sponsoring our auction and to our LA Pet Fair volunteers! We are missing a few in this pic, including Tony, Chris, Suzy, Sean, Gino, Riley, and Marshall. WOW! Look at the nails on this young lady. She custom-made her own acrylic nails, with each thumb featuring her two geckos and their favorite snack—hornworms. We strongly encouraged her to open an Etsy shop because she would make money hand over fist (pun intended).

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International Herpetological Symposium IHS had a great conference in Tampa, FL. IHS brought much more than a wide array of speakers, including its Junior Herpers program, herping trips, and even a live band featuring USARK FL's Daniel Parker (who was also a speaker). Get IHS details at www.iherpsymp.org. USARK attorneys David and Art were there to engage with stakeholders, and Phil also served as auctioneer to bring in donation dollars. Crocfest crocodile conservation fundraiser "THE FIRST TEXAS CROCFEST IS HISTORY! With over 200 attendees and USARK President Phil Goss conducting the auction, we raised ~$40K! Thanks to the people of the great State of Texas, zoos, and our corporate sponsors for supporting this Lone Star fiesta. In addition, many thanks to Chris Dieter, owner of Crocodile Encounter, and his family and staff, for hosting an amazing event!" - Crocfest, https://www.facebook.com/crocfests Your state. Your support! We are asking you to help us spread awareness of USARK and our work, one state at a time. If you have a pet store, veterinary office, or public exhibit that works with reptiles or amphibians, USARK will send you a FREE business package that includes brochures, stickers, and possibly more. Email vanessa@usark.org with your company name and address if you are in this week’s state and want to assist. We will randomly draw a new state every Sunday, so follow us on our socials to find out when your state is chosen.These are the states from June: We have Ball python and Blue-tongued skink shirts available! Summer is in full swing, and this year it is surface of the sun hot. How are you keeping cool? misters dripper pool soak beer (including root) Check back next month for poll results. Poll results: May 2025 Question: Speaking of Reptile Talks, how many reptiles were you able to chat with in May? just a couple 60% about a dozen 20% None. They didn't respond. 10% I only talk to amphibians 10% ALERTS & UPDATES + Lincoln County, NC animal ban: https://usark.org/25nc/ + Federal Herp and Fish Regulations: https://usark.org/25us/ + New Palestine, IN: https://usark.org/25in/ + Light Bulb Ban (UPDATE): https://usark.org/24bulbs/ + Diamondback Terrapin ESA Listing: https://usark.org/24esa3/ + Vermont slider turtle ban: https://usark.org/25vt/ USARK Articles + "Chevron": https://usark.org/24chevron/ + Salmonella education: https://usark.org/salmonella/ YouTube Check out our channel here www.youtube.com/@usark_official Interesting Articles How Corn Snakes Became One of America’s Favorite Pets