When most people think of pets, they envision cats or dogs, furry animals that can be held and cuddled.

However, exotic pets are catching on with the Iowa State community. Snakes, lizards and birds are becoming more popular with students.

“We are seeing more interest in exotics, they have increased in popularity,” David Metcalf, owner of the Ark said, “There are so many exotics out there, most people are aware that they exist.”

One of the reasons exotics have increased in popularity is the availability. “People are working on breeding exotics – not capturing them from the wild,” Metcalf said. “This is not a trend, it’s a change we’ve seen over several years.”

Brad Geater, a junior in civil engineering, has two boa constrictors and two bearded dragon lizards. But Geater was not always a fan of reptiles.

“I was at a party and a friend threw a python around my neck and it really freaked me out,” he said. That was the first time he had contact with a large reptile and it sparked an interest.

“I always thought snakes were slimy and they gave me the willies, but I found that was not true,” Geater said.

When asked why he chose exotic pets, Geater said, “They are very easy to care for — because I’m away at class all day and don’t have a lot of time to care for them.

“I’ve had these pets for about a year,” he said. “The dragon lizards have a better temperament than iguanas, they are more personable.”

The lizards enjoy sitting on his shoulder while he studies he said. “People are amazed that they will sit on my shoulder for hours,” Geater said.

“People are amazed that they will sit on my shoulder for hours.”

This has led to some interesting experiences. “One time, Guido sat on my shoulder in the car the whole ride back from Cedar Rapids.” he said. “You should have seen the looks on people’s faces as we drove by.”

Joining the Iowa Herpetological Society, is an important part of owning exotic reptiles Geater said.

“It’s more than just a club, they teach you how to care for your pets,” Geater said. “They give you more information than a pet store, its really specialized.

“For example, I learned that dragon lizards are desert animals that like heat during the day and cold at night. So I turn off the heater at night.

The Society also has classifieds that allow you to network with other owners. Some of the pets in this months classifies for sale include bearded dragons, baby dragons, pythons and monitor lizards.

The classifieds put you in contact with the breeders Geater said.

“You can get stuff at wholesale,” Geater said. ” After I joined the club, I could afford to get other animals. I wouldn’t be where I was today without the club.”

Ownership of an exotic reptile is not necessary to join the Society, “There’s people who join that don’t own exotic animals, they want to come and see them,” Geater said.

Another plus for joining the Society for Iowa State students is that Ed Twedt, an Ames resident, is the president.

He is a resource for members of the club. “You can always call Ed Twedt, to talk about problems and he’s willing to help,” Geater said.

But what about those who are forced to live with exotics? Enter Geater’s roommate Corey Witzman, a junior in horticulture.

Witzman was a little leery at first. “They really freaked me out, I have to admit they seemed weird to me,” Witzman said. “But after I got to know them I really enjoy hanging out with them.”

Geater recalled Witzman’s first encounter with his boa. “Corey was really nervous. But once he held her, and she wrapped around his arm, he became fascinated. He couldn’t believe how strong she was,” he said.

Geater understood Witzman’s reaction to his pets was not unusual. “Once they get to know them, and understand, they really like them,” Geater said. “I haven’t had any roommate problems with these guys.”

Although he has only had exotic pets for a little over a year, Geater would recommend them to any student, “They are great pets and I would recommend joining the club to find out more about them,” he said.

For more information about the Iowa Herpetological Society call Twedt at 292-3074.