ET Reptiles

05/28/2026

Are captive bred Poison Dart frogs actually poisonous? ☠️

In the wild, poison dart frogs can be extremely toxic, however, wild dart frogs do not make their own poison!

In order to create the toxins, these frogs need certain chemicals that are present in some of the insects they eat in the wild (ants, mites, etc.)! 🐜

With the common insects us reptile keepers use to feed our animals in captivity, such as springtails, fruit flies, or crickets, there is no possibility for the “poison” to develop. 🐸

Poison Dart Frogs can make one of the most colorful and captivating pets. Through their display of interactions, being diurnal, and setting up a terrarium with live plants, you can have a slice of the rainforest in your own home! 🌳🌸

Come see these beautiful (and safe to own) frogs today!
📍909 Warwick Ave

05/27/2026

How beautiful is this Thailand Rainbow Millipede? 🌈🐛

These guys are such easy and fun pets, feeding on decaying wood, leaves, and nutrient substrate! They love to burrow and require a higher humidity. 💦🪵

We have a couple other different species of millipedes in too!
📍909 Warwick Ave

05/26/2026

We have 2 beautiful Leachie Geckos available now 💙🦎

Leachianus Geckos are the largest living species of geckos, reaching anywhere between 14-17” 😳📏

These guys are chowing down on some Pangea and the occasional Dubia Roach. 🪳

Come see them today!
📍909 Warwick Ave

05/24/2026

We will be closed on Memorial Day (May 25th) in observance of the holiday. We’re grateful to those who gave everything in service of our country and wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day! 🇺🇸💙

05/21/2026

Thanks to our amazing Rhode Island reptile keeping community, DEM has decided to remove adding tegus to their permit required regulation!

Instead, they will postpone adding this new regulation and create a workshop where tegus and other herpetofauna involved in the pet trade will be discussed to improve the language in regulations and the permitting process.

We are hopeful that DEM will continue to work alongside the outstanding community of reptile keepers. 😊

05/19/2026

The deadline is coming, please send your emails today or by 4 p.m., May 20th.

Responsible keepers should not be regulated based off of a single highly publicized incident.

Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: No to tegu ban

I write today as a Rhode Island resident opposing the proposed ban on two tegu genera, Salvator and Tupinambis. The species in these genera are common pet lizards. I fully support protecting Rhode Island’s natural resources and wildlife, but these lizards are not an invasive species threat in our state or invasive within 1,000 miles of our state. This ban is unreasonable. There is no valid reason to stop the ownership, trade, and commercialization of this species.
This prohibition is unjust and unfair, with no justification such as invasive species or public safety risks. Thank you, and have a good day.

05/16/2026

These spot the difference games just keep getting harder. 😅🤣

Moby the Burmese Python is here and visiting until 7pm tonight! 🐍❤️

📍909 Warwick Ave

05/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up tonight to speak and be present against the proposed permit system and advocate for responsible reptile keeping. We truly went into this not knowing what to expect, and seeing members of the community come together meant more than we can express.

We’re incredibly appreciative of USARK, New England Herpetological Society, Sabrina’s Reptile Kingdom, and every individual who made the effort to be there tonight. This community is so passionate, informed, and dedicated to animal welfare.

And of course… Frankie made the trip with us. Tonight, she got to be present as a reminder of why responsible keepers, rescues, and education matter so much. ❤️

While there is still work to do, attending and participating in these discussions is incredibly important!

Thank you all so much for standing with these animals. 💜

05/11/2026

🚨TOMORROW🚨

Tomorrow we will be closing at 3:45 p.m. to attend RI DEM’s public meeting regarding adding an exotic animal permit to tegus.

This meeting is open to the public if you are able to come! Location:
📍 DFW Outdoor Education Office
1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822

If you are unable to come, we suggest sending an email for comments by May 20th.
Emails can be sent to: [email protected]
(Prewritten example letter can be found on our page in our most recent tegu posts).

Thank you for your understanding!
- Emily, Taylor, Marty, and Frankie ❤️🦎

05/09/2026

05/05/2026

❗️Tegus in Rhode Island are under review for a permit system.❗️

As the team that took in Frankie, “the blizzard lizard,” we can say this clearly:
She would not have survived out there. This is not a species thriving in our environment. Without veterinarian intervention, she would not be living.

We believe real solutions start with education and responsible ownership and these conversations matter.

We’re asking our friends and community to please help us with this, send the email today.

Send a letter by May 20:
✉️ Email: [email protected] (Pinned in Comments)
Subject Line: No to tegu ban

I write today as a Rhode Island resident opposing the proposed ban on two tegu genera, Salvator and Tupinamibis. The species in these genera are common pet lizards. I fully support protecting Rhode Island’s natural resources and wildlife, but these lizards are not an invasive species threat in our state or invasive within 1,000 miles of our state. This ban is unreasonable. There is no valid reason to stop the ownership, trade, and commercialization of this species.
This prohibition is unjust and unfair, with no justification such as invasive species or public safety risks. Thank you, and have a good day.

Join the public hearing:
🗓 May 12 at 5:30 PM
📍 DFW Outdoor Education Office
1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place
Exeter, RI 02822