Bill Gillingham holds up a male yellow anaconda at his store and museum, The Great Valley Serpentarium, in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Herpetologist shares interest in reptiles with local community

Bill Gillingham has not always loved snakes. In fact, he once feared them. But a trip to a classmate's home changed that. Gillingham fell in love with reptiles in third grade and wanted to share his interests with others. So, he opened a museum and reptile store to show off the animals and also allow people to purchase them.

Gillingham took some time recently to talk with News-Sentinel reporter Amanda Dyer about the animals he works with and the pros and cons of running the store.

What is your favorite animal in the museum?

I have several favorite animals. My most favorite is the rear-fang snake, which is mildly poisonous but not dangerous to people.

Do you have any pets at home?

My only domestic pet at home is our cat, Smokey. However, I do have a large pond in the backyard full of water turtles and fish. There are also a few box turtles running around the yard.

What is the most unusual critter at the store?

The most unusual animal is the Mussarana from Argentina. It is a rear-fang snake and feeds primarily on other snakes. They can reach a length of 7 feet and have been known to eat very poisonous snakes.

How many times have you been bitten, and by what animals? What was the worst time?

I have been bitten by everything at one time or another. My worst bite was from a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake while I was living and teaching in Arizona. My hand was swollen for a few days.

What is the most dangerous animal you have worked with?

Other than human beings, I have had many encounters with rattlesnakes in the southwest and coral snakes in Mexico.

Have you ever been scared of an animal you've worked with?

I'm not really scared of dangerous animals because I have an understanding of their behavior and am very careful when working with them.

Do you think some people have unjustified fears of some animals in your store? How do you help them quell these fears?

Many people have fears, especially of snakes. But snakes are basically harmless, and most fears can be overcome by studying the species and understanding what the animal's purpose is.

Have any of the animals ever escaped? Which ones and where did you find them?

We have had a few animals escape, but they usually do not go very far. They often end up in the mouse room seeking food.

What is the most expensive animal you have for sale?

My most expensive snakes are the Malaysian Red Bamboo snakes. They sell for about $800 each.

All the animals in your museum seem to move around a lot compared to similar animals at the zoo hanging out. What is the difference?

I trained the animals to get up and move around whenever a customer comes around. Actually, movement depends on temperature, humidity, time of day and species. Many animals are diurnal, while others are nocturnal.

Contact reporter Amanda Dyer at amandad@lodinews.com.