Wilmington, NC. My what an interesting place, a serpentarium. Well that is a new one for me. A zoo that specializes in snakes may not be on everyone’s list of things to do, but it was high on my list when in town for my niece’s wedding.
The Cape Fear Serpentarium is recognized as a leading world reptile collection with over 150 snakes, crocodiles and lizards. Cobras, pythons, mumbas and even a man eating crocodile. Very cool and kinda creepy at the same time.
Pictured is a timber rattlesnake which is very prevalent in the Eastern US. Dean Rika, the owner and herpetologist (a person who studies reptiles) of The Serpentarium, devised a 5 scull and cross bone rating for how dangerous each snake is depending on venom, aggressiveness, and other factors.
This snake gets 3 sculls which means you might die if you get bit and will likely have lasting debilitation. One scull means you will generally recover and 5 sculls (the max) means you will probably die or wish you had if you get bitten. Best not to have to try the ratings out!