Arkansas Reptile Rescue

We are excited to announce that we will be attending SATURDAY of the Four State Reptile Expo on August 8th 2026. Come see us for some interactions with our ambassadors and to adopt a new family member! If you show us this announcement and follow our account you will receive a voucher (as supplies last) to feed some of our ambassadors!

How to create a great sulcata enclosure outside:
As one of the most commonly owned big tortoise species I’ve seen I thought it would be great to provide a little guide on outdoor tortoise enclosures for our Arkansas climate.

Necessities needed:
A strong perimeter: think a livestock perimeter as these tortoises are very strong. They also dig so having something in the ground to prevent them from digging out of the perimeter would be helpful.

Areas for complete sunlight and shade: Sulcatas and other tortoises rely on the uvb rays from the sun to keep their bones strong so having ample sunlight is a must. But Arkansas summers can also be extremely hot so be sure to provide spaces they can chill in the shade.

Water source: Anyone who owns reptiles probably knows they love to p**p in their water. So give them a water spot they can walk into, cool off, hydrate and do their business in. A good cheap option for this would be a kiddy pool and cut out a section for them to be able to access it. Make sure their water source is never over their head.

Food: You will never have to mow that section of lawn as long as your tortoise is outside. But when they eventually eat all the grass in that section you can buy grass hays which are a great alternative.

Now on the other hand Arkansas winters are way too cold for your tortoise to stay outside. Therefore some good alternatives for when they get too big to take into the house would be:

Build a shed or greenhouse:
The structure: most people either convert small, durable resin, plastic or wooden sheds into tortoise sheds. Although if you are building from scratch you need to use exterior grade plywood on both the interior and exterior walls.

Insulation: You absolutely HAVE to insulate whichever option you choose to keep the heat in your tortoises space.

Lights/heating: You will also need a thermostat to keep up with temperatures, a UVB light they can be under and basking lights to keep temps correct.

Elevation: This is also important to keep moisture from pooling through the floor so make sure your tortoise house isn’t touching the ground.

Bedding: Many people put timothy hay down as a moisture resistant bedding for burrowing and it will also help maintain the heat.

Educational post by volunteer: Sidney Glymp

Don't forget we do birthday parties!

Meet Ferngully, a young bearded dragon who has come into our care from a very difficult situation. He is estimated to be around 2 years old and is currently battling a fungal infection that may be highly contagious to other reptiles.

When Ferngully arrived, he was in poor condition, his enclosure was heavily infested with snake mites, and he was clearly uncomfortable. Since then, he has been started on antifungal treatment. However, without definitive testing, we cannot identify the exact type of fungus or determine the most effective course of treatment. At this time, there has been little to no improvement as we can only manage his condition.

Further diagnostic testing is available, but the cost is $450 just for the lab work, not including any additional medications or follow-up care.

Despite his condition, Ferngully is not currently in pain, and he still has the potential to enjoy a good quality of life. Because of the possible risk of contagion, we cannot safely house him alongside the other reptiles in our care.

We are urgently seeking a hospice foster home. We are requiring it be someone with no other reptiles in their home who can provide Ferngully a safe, calm environment where he can be cared for and monitored. Our goal is to give him the best life possible while we continue to explore options for his care.

If you are able to help, or if you would like to contribute toward his diagnostic testing and treatment, please reach out. Every share, donation, and offer of support makes a difference for animals like Ferngully.

I used to find box turtles in my nana’s back yard and then tried to hide them in the bath tub until she found them and told me to put the turtles back outside. Turns out I probably wasn’t legally allowed to keep that animal as a pet anyways in Arkansas. Now that the weather is warming up and our scaly friends are coming back out into the sun I thought it would be a great idea to share which animals are not allowed to be taken out of the wild according to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulation 09.14. I will only be including the reptiles and amphibians mentioned in this article. If you would like to read the entire article the link will be left below.
No more than 6 per household of any combination may be kept as pets:
Hand captured native wildlife other than the following species:
Alligator snapping turtle
Ornate box turtle
Hellbender
Ouachita streambed salamander
Collared lizard

Other animals on the prohibited list are cave dwellers and any species that are endangered.
Remember, if you end up collecting some fellow native Arkansans that you are only permitted to have up to six native animals in your collection. Have fun seeing our amazing critters this spring and summer and please treat all animals respectfully and responsibly!
Sources: https://apps.agfc.com/regulations/09.14/
Educational post by volunteer: Sidney Glymp

Herping—the act of searching for amphibians and reptiles—is a mix of ecological knowledge, patience, and a bit of luck. Whether you are looking for local Arkansas species like Timber Rattlesnakes or elusive salamanders, these tips can help you find more animals while keeping both you and the wildlife safe.
​1. Master the "Micro-Habitats"
​Finding reptiles isn't just about being in the woods; it's about finding the specific spots they use for thermoregulation and safety.
​Edge Habitats: Look where two ecosystems meet, such as the line where a forest meets a field or where a pond meets the grass.
​The Power of "Flips": Rocks, logs, and discarded sheet metal are classic spots. When flipping, always pull the object toward you. This creates a barrier between you and any startled animal that might strike or bolt.
​Southern Exposure: In the spring and fall, focus on south-facing rocky slopes. These areas catch the most sun and stay warm longer, making them magnets for basking snakes.
​2. Time Your Outings Precisely
​Wildlife activity is heavily dictated by the barometer and the thermometer.
​The "Goldilocks" Zone: Most reptiles are active when temperatures are between 21°C and 29°C (70°F–85°F).
​Post-Rain Humidity: For amphibians, nothing beats the first warm rainy night of spring. For snakes, high humidity after a summer storm often triggers movement.
​Road Cruising: Driving slowly on paved backroads at dusk (where legal and safe) is a highly effective way to spot snakes as they move toward the warmth of the asphalt.
​3. Gear Up for Safety and Science
​Being better at herping means being prepared for the environment.
​Proper Footwear: Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots are a must, especially in areas with venomous species.
​Hook vs. Hands: Never put your hands where you haven't looked first. Use a dedicated snake hook or a sturdy stick to flip debris.
​Documentation: Carry a camera with a good macro lens or use your phone to log finds. Apps like iNaturalist allow you to contribute to citizen science by recording sightings, which helps researchers track species populations.
​4. Ethics and Conservation
​The best herpers leave the environment exactly as they found it.
​Put it Back: If you flip a log or rock, gently place it back in the exact same position. The micro-climate underneath (the moisture and temperature) is vital for the creatures living there.
​Minimize Stress: Avoid over-handling animals. Stress can cause reptiles to musk, regurigtate their last meal, or become susceptible to disease.
​Biosecurity: If you are moving between different bodies of water, disinfect your boots and gear to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens like Chytrid fungus or Ranavirus.

Ready for applicants! Please have proper caging before you apply 🖤 All of these are available at the Central Arkansas Location.
Still available
Bearded Dragon
Leopard Gecko
Sulcate
Bearded Dragon
Ball Python
Ball Python