lferrell@alamosanews.com 

ALAMOSA — For Jarod Johnson, founder of Snakeman Reptiles and Arachnids, a lifelong fascination with misunderstood creatures has transformed into a community-wide educational mission.  

Operating in the San Luis Valley for the past two years, Johnson is working to change public perception of snakes, spiders and other exotic animals by trading deep-seated phobias for ecological understanding.  

"My mission is to replace fear with knowledge," Johnson said during a recent interview. "The more you know about something, the less you have to fear, and the more you come to love it."  

Johnson credits his mother with fostering his early love for animals outside the norm, growing up surrounded by spiders, scorpions and tarantulas. An avid fan of the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, Johnson spent his youth catching snakes in the woods of Tennessee. After moving across several states, including New Mexico, he ultimately settled in the valley, where a close friend pushed him to turn his personal passion into a formal educational business.  

Today, Johnson manages a diverse collection of 30 to 50 different species, including an array of lizards, scorpions and snakes. His efforts are highlighted in community promotional materials, which showcase his outreach events.  

Snakeman Reptiles and Arachnids provides several vital community services aimed at safe coexistence, including rattlesnake relocation. “We humanely remove venomous snakes from residential properties to ensure both human and animal safety,” Johnson said.  

Beyond rehoming, Johnson also focuses on community outreach by hosting live presentations at local schools, community centers and events, as well as producing content for Facebook and YouTube to broaden public awareness online. Those interested in what Johnson does can see his videos here https://youtube.com/@snakemanreptilesarachnids?si=Bjyg2I4uOh_RlAnb 

Johnson emphasizes that reptiles play a critical, irreplaceable role in local ecosystems.  

"They play a huge role in our ecosystems," Johnson explained. "A lot of them, even rattlesnakes, control rodent populations. They're very vital, and we need them. If you see one, just let it be. Respect over fear."  

Johnson is currently working toward establishing a permanent, private educational facility in the eastern portion of the valley. The home base will allow schools to conduct field trips, giving children a safe, controlled environment to interact with the animals directly. To help fund the project, Johnson has launched a GoFundMe campaign, with hopes to grow his "homegrown herpetology." 

His GoFundMe page is here https://gofund.me/23154386f