I am known by many names within the County in which I live. I am known as “the Snake man, the Snake dude, SnakeGuy, The “Real” Dr. Doolittle and finally my personal favorite, The Herp Father. My real name is John F Taylor and I am an internationally published captive reptile author with several magazine credits and a book to my credit. I was raised around animals mostly mammals; it wasn’t until later that I got involved with reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects much to my mothers happiness. I tell people who are curious, if it’s got scales or tail(s) chances are I know something about it.
I am the former Founder of Southern California Wildlife, and not only an amateur herpetologist, but also an expert on San Diego-based reptiles and their habitat. Additionally, I have extensive experience with exotic species from all over the world. I have worked within the pet industry for over a decade and served as Editor for the San Diego Herpetological Society. I’ve personally handled well over 200 various species. My articles appear in multiple media environments; most recently several of my articles have appeared within the industry-respected Reptilia Magazine, a renowned European publication and Reptile Magazine, Reptiles Magazine, Reptiles USA Magazine.
I have also been a featured writer for National Geographic Museum Blog, Northampton Reptile Centre, Toronto Pet Daily, Daily Reptile News, Outbound Family, Haute or Not Pets, and All Experts.com. I also have a weekly column on Inky Fresh Press Tough Love for Freelance Writers. Where I don’t pull punches and hit you below the belt with the realities of getting published.
I have also published “Captive Care of Uromastyx” through T.F.H. My main goal is to educate people living in small environments, primarily apartments, on the unique challenges of keeping a reptile or insect. There’s an alarming lack of actionable data on this topic and a lack of information or an abundance of misinformation is impacting the quality of life for reptiles and insects everywhere.
In October I launched my own reptile internet radio show The Reptile Living Room at www.reptilelivingroom.com where I interview experts in the industry.
