Meet Mojave the Rosy Boa with Hannah Baker

In this episode of *That’s Wild*, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock sit down with Hannah Baker, the general curator at the Little Rock Zoo, to bust common snake myths and explore the fascinating biology of reptiles. The conversation kicks off with Susan playfully describing a snake as "maybe a tube with teeth", which sets the stage for a deep dive into the complexities hidden inside that body. Hannah introduces Mojave, a 20-year-old Rosy Boa who serves as a zoo ambassador. Originally kept as a pet before coming to the zoo in 2015, Mojave helps educate the public that snakes aren't scary pests, but unique animals that play a vital role in our ecosystem. Throughout the discussion, Hannah debunks several persistent reptile myths, including the idea that vertical slit pupils automatically mean a snake is venomous. As Hannah explains, "A ground-dwelling ambush predator usually has vertical eye slits", which simply helps them with depth perception when waiting for prey rather than indicating venom. She also addresses how constrictors capture prey, dispelling the belief that they break bones or suffocate animals. Instead, constrictors cut off blood circulation, leading to a rapid loss of oxygen to the brain. Beyond hunting mechanics, the group discusses sensory adaptations, noting how snakes detect ground vibrations using their lower jaw and gather scent molecules with their unique split tongues. The episode emphasizes responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation. Hannah highlights the long lifespan of snakes—explaining that they can easily live 20 to 30 years in human care—and warns against releasing exotic pets into the wild. Releasing non-native species can severely damage local ecosystems, as seen with invasive pythons in the Florida Everglades. The hosts remind listeners that zoos rarely have space to accept unwanted pets, urging prospective owners to do thorough research first or adopt traditional pets from shelters. The episode concludes with a appreciation for snakes, reminding listeners to value and conserve the natural world around them.