When things deviate from the norm, he notices. Like catching when a snake's molt is incomplete. An incomplete shed, Howell says, indicates that the temperature or humidity may need adjusting in a snake's environment. Across the hall from Howell's office is a small room, bordered by stainless steel shelves holding glass jars, plastic storage containers, and aquariums which house everything from flightless wasps to dart poison frogs. But Howell doesn't worry much about death by venom.
Electricians have electricity.
Construction workers have spinning blades. I'd much rather work with tarantulas and scorpions. Dave Brian Butvill is a freelance writer specializing in science and the environment.