The Skinny on "SnakesKin"

03/10/2010

 

Need Some Snake Support?

The Mole is beginning to feel like the official Bureau Chief for Snakes, thanks to several new Animal Planet programs that go up-close-and-personal with the slithery, scary critters. But hey, even snakes deserve the spotlight sometimes, right?

And they share'll it with some pretty brave humans in "SnakesKin," a six-part series airing Mondays April 12 - April 26 at 10 p.m. Each of the six half-hour episodes takes viewers inside the world of Georgia's Clark family---Jason Clark, his wife Sarah and Jason's dad--who specialize in coping with snake problems. You know how Victoria Stillwell helps stressed-out puppy parents on "It's Me or the Dog"? At their Southeastern Reptile Rescue, the Clarks do much the same on the snake level---except, of course, they won't train a copperhead to heel! 

 Viewers will see the Clarks' typical workdays that can include coming to the rescue not only for snakes, but turtles and crocs too.What's really cool is how Sarah has overcome her own fear of snakes to become a major force in this venture. Props to Sarah for such dedication.

The Mole asked Jason Clark about the series, and his family's work:

How did you become the go-to folks that others call for help with their snake problems?

I've had a fascination with snakes since I was a very young child. When friends and neighbors found this out, they never hesitated to let me deal with the snake in their yard so they didn't have to. Whatever you do in life, if you're good at it, word will spread. It certainly has in my case.

And I have to ask, how often have you been bitten?

I handle non-venomous snakes with my bare hands. So bites happen frequently. When it comes to venomous snakes, I have strict protocol that I adhere to. Number one, stay away from the pointy end. So far, it's kept me safe.

Of all the animals in the world to focus on, spend time with, learn about, love---why did you choose snakes?

I care about nature and want others to do the same. By focusing on the most despised, loathsome creature on earth, we bring people to an appreciation of them. Once that person can appreciate a snake, then everything else that nature has to offer is much easier to love.

What's the biggest mistake people make when confronted with a snake?

They panic and believe that the best option is to destroy the snake so it can't hurt anyone. The truth is, most bites happen as a person is trying to capture or kill the snake. Leaving the snake alone is the safe thing to do.

What do you hope viewers will learn from "SnakesKin"?

That snakes are animals, just like dogs, cats, birds and every other animal. They just want to survive on this planet. And, they are willing to do so peacefully as long as we follow their rules of personal space.

Jason Clark, thanks so much for talkin' snakes with The Mole. Can't wait to check out this lively new series!

Comments

[Sunshine]

I am really excited about this new show. I love the idea of a reptile loving family! I have looked up Mr. Clark's website, and was amazed by all the information. He sounds like someone who really understands, loves, and appreciates our slithery friends.Kudos to you Mr. Clark!! This is his website SnakesAreUs.Com

[Sheila Stockton]

This sounds like a fascinating program with intelligent people who can tell the rest of us how to not only deal with snakes, but to respect them and even learn to love them (from afar!). I think most people are just afraid and don't know enough about them, so this series should be a way to learn from the experts. Thanks, Mole for a great article and interview as always.

[Colton Willenborg]

i also enjoy snakes and i absolutely LOVE the show,Thanks Mr. Clark for being awesome

[jacob lawson]

I am a person that likes snakes I have caught snakes since I was a little boy Im 19 now how would I get a job like that?I love to handle reptiles. I like to learn what I can bout them as much as I can.I like your show and I will learn a lot from it thanks.

[Fred]

Love the show. Why wasn't it promoted more? Seems like the crappy shows that show no potential get pushed more than others have true educational value. Please bring back real TV instead of produced dysfunctional reality shows.

[Michael O. Erickson]

I just caught episode 1 on TV, this is one of the most wonderful shows I have seen in a loooong time. Good work Animal Planet! Bravo!

[Linda Leon]

First of all thank you for making this show. I have a 5 year little boy that loves to play in the woods behind our house. In the past 3 years we have seen 3 baby copperheads and I am VERY worried that he may find the momma or more copperheads. I am trying to learn all I can to make it as safe as I possibly can.
We live in East Tennessee and I know that copperheads are just something we have to live with...but I don't like it at all knowing that my little boy may get bit by one of these snakes!
Your show is helping me learn more about snakes. This something that I know NOTHING about.
Thank you for sharing!

[SurferJoe]

Great educational programming. Being an avid outdoors-man, spending a lot of time in the wild, you can never learn too much. We have a ten acre wild life refuge of sorts, boy do we have snakes. Being relatively new to Texas, still haven’t learned to identify them all.. Great Resource, best wishes for many more episodes. The wife found a Coral Snake in the Garden Sunday~;-0)

[Donna Dellapelle]

What a GREAT show!!! It's refreshing to know there is a educational program that teaches respect of the reptiles and shines a light on them instead of all the negativity they usually receive. This program is definitely for everyone!!! LOVE IT!!! Look forward to more episodes:)

[Donna Murphy]

I do NOT like snakes, however, I loved this show! The bantering of the spouses, the snake education gained and the overall delivery was excellent. My 8 year old daughter had to watch it twice before school this morning! LOVE IT!

[Rebecca Jackman]

I have always been terrified of snakes and living in an area where black snakes & copperheads are common, I have really enjoyed the education I received from watching these shows! Great facts & tips, and it has really shown me that not all snakes need to be feared. I think the Clark family is amazing and I thank them for this show & what they do to help snakes and people. Great show!! I hope to see it continue!

[Barbara]

Amazing and wonderful show...I loved the "realness" of it all...Thanks Jason & Sarah and the Clark family for making a great show!

[Jennifer Pritchett]

I really enjoyed the show. It is nice to watch and show with the whole family. Not only was it informative, it was entertaining! Hope it continues!!!!

[Cynthia]

Loved the show. I think education on venomous snakes is over due. I love this family's approach to education and saving the reptiles from danger as well as keeping people safe. I would like to see it at a time easier watched by my school age kids, 10 pm late for a school night.

[Amanda Anderson]

LOVE this show! The Clark family are great people and they are educating Georgia and now America on one of our biggest fears. Keep up the great work Southeastern Reptile Rescue!!

[lindsay johnson]

I loved the show lastnight, it was just great, Jason and sarah were wonderful, funny and smart when it comes to snakes!! I would love to see more!!

[Josh Blake]

Amazing! Hope you guys have more in the works...would hate to only see a few more shows!!

[karen hauk]

SNAKESKIN SHOW WAS GREAT, WE LAUGHED,EKEED,YELLED AND RAN OUT OF THE ROOM. WHAT A FAB SHOW. LOVE THE DOWN TO EARTH PEOPLE, JUST LIKE US BUT SOME OF US ARE STILL AFRAID OF THE BEAST, BUT GOOD FOR THEM AND THE STORY THEY ARE TRYING TO TELL THE NATION. REALLY BEST SHOW SINCE STEVE' SHOW. WHOM WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS. PLEASE KEEP THIS SHOW GOING FOR ALL OF US STILL MORNING OUR LOSS. IT IS FUN AND SCARY AND SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO FINALLY ON TV...

[Beverly McNeil]

I watched the program about 5:00am this morning,I am very afraid of snakes we have both copperhead and black snakes, which were featured in the episode, where I live. So this really caught my eye when I started watching. The show was very educational, love the husband and wife team, funny. It was also good to really see what a copperhead looks like, the hersey kiss description of the snakes markings will be helpful in the future when identify such a snake. Love the show, not the snakes, please continue with more episodes.
Beverly Mc

[Rhonda Shoemaker]

LOVED the show last night. I couldn't go to bed for some time afterwards...but loved it. I am terrified of snakes and hearing you say 'all over Georgia' just makes me cringe 'cause I am in Georgia.

[Heather]

Great show! We want more :)

[bryan devillier]

none

[Todd]

Excellent show! I can't wait to see more! Jason and his family are a hoot and I learned something too.

[Sarah Corley]

Loved the show. Very everyday, family friendly, and funny. Hope to see more. We set the DVR so we wouldn't miss a show in the future.

[A Micheal]

Awesome show! I think everyone will benefit from learning a little bit more about reptiles and I can't think of anyone better to educate people than the Clark family.