A recent episode of the "Kelly Clarkson Show" featured The Snake Lady—otherwise known as herpetologist Sara Horwitz—discussing why people should not be afraid of snakes. Horwitz is a passionate conservationist who works to educate kids and break down misconceptions about snakes and other slithery cold-blooded creatures.
Clarkson interviewed Horwitz while an orange corn snake named Pumpkin wrapped itself casually around the reptile expert's arm.
"For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by reptiles, particularly snakes," Horwitz said. "I begged my mom and dad to bring me to the reptile house at the Bronx Zoo or go on nature wildlife walks. I've just always been obsessed with them. It broke my heart when I found out that not everybody shares the same love and passion as I do."
Horwitz highlighted the crucial part in disease management that snakes play and how the misunderstood reptiles benefit humans. Snakes help control rodent populations, which in turn helps protect vegetation and reduces the movement of the germ-spreading disease vectors.
"I think it's important to talk about how they are key to the ecosystems," she said. "They eat the rats and other rodents you don't want coming into your house that carry diseases. They play an important role."
Snakes also play a vital role in the environment by serving as a food source for other predatory animals.
Kelly Clarkson Show
Horwitz said one of the most rewarding parts of her work is when kids and teens start to understand conservation, how they can help, and maybe even envision a future career in the field.
"One of my favorite stories was, after doing a lesson on pollution, I had a group of students approach me and ask to organize a stream cleanup," she said. "That was really great. Other times, kids just ask, 'How can I be involved in the conservation world?' It might be being a wildlife photographer, working at the zoo, or studying a specific research question. I just love to be a mentor and give as many resources as possible to kids."
