Lethal black mamba snake

From the press release

Event includes petting zoo with Tuesday the American alligator and Rowdy, a six-foot Asian Water Monitor lizard, as well as display of exotic venomous and non-venomous species.

Reptile enthusiasts can pet an alligator and view a black mamba, widely considered the world’s deadliest snake, at the 10th Annual Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show & Sale.

The Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS) will have an extensive display of native and non-native venomous reptiles, along with numerous non-venomous animals that attendees can interact with at the show, which will be held Sept. 24 and 25 at the Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Road.

PHS will have the only display of exotic, non-native venomous reptiles and crocodilians on display. Russ Johnson, President of PHS, says the society hopes to educate attendees about these exotic species, as well as non-venomous reptiles that make good pets.

“I expect there to be a lot of interest in the black mamba,” says Johnson. “We get a lot of requests to see this snake because of its ominous reputation. It is an extremely lethal snake.”

In addition, the show will feature a petting zoo where kids and adults can interact with friendly reptiles, including Tuesday the American alligator and Rowdy the Asian Water Monitor lizard, also from PHS.

“We had a tremendous turnout for last year’s show, with over 6,000 people attending,” says Dr. Mark Wolfson, a local reptile breeder and promoter of the event. “This year will be bigger and better.”

Approximately 75 vendors from around the country will be selling and displaying hundreds of species of captive-bred snakes, lizards, frogs, tortoises, turtles and invertebrates (bugs) in the 40,000-square-foot exhibit hall.

“All the reptiles for sale will be captive-bred, non-native and non-venomous,” says Wolfson. “By promoting captive-bred animals only, we help protect wild fauna. Plus, captive bred animals are healthier and make better pets.”

The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission prices are $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under. Parking is free.