Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/867962
20 Tucker entertains and educates Family Counts while showing one of her snakes. and events throughout the South to educate the public about reptiles. They collected so many animals they opened a mini- zoo in their home in Eastaboga, near Anniston. The Yarbrough Snake Ranch, with several hundred snakes and animals, closed in 1974 as the opening of Interstate 20 pulled motorists off U.S. 78. Aer Tom died in 1996, Mary Ann took over the show for 14 years. One of the last she did for Alabama Power, before she died in 2010, was for Supply Chain Management in 2009 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. Tucker and first cousin, Lori Feazell, have since picked up where Mary Ann le off, carrying on the tradition and marking the 50th anniversary of the show in 2017. The two take the show on the road to schools, corporate businesses, safety meetings, camps, fairs, festivals, private parties and libraries. Tucker's husband, Ken, works in the background and keeps things running at their home in the Bynum community. Asked what her scariest moments have been on stage with The Snake Show, Tucker replies maer of factly: "There are none." "Our educational program is not to induce or cause fear, but instead to help overcome the feelings oen associated with a fear of snakes or other reptiles," Tucker said. "We gear toward several informative topics including how to identify nonvenomous and venomous reptiles in your area," Feazell added. Another focus is safety. "We provide safety instructions should you encounter reptiles in the wild, correct first aid treatment should a bite ever occur, and protection of species in their natural habitat," Tucker said. But, along with Gibson, she wants people to know the role snakes play in the ecosystem. "We strive to eliminate many of the myths and misconceptions regarding snakes and other reptiles," Tucker said. Gibson is a believer. "I encourage anyone looking for a very informative and pertinent safety meeting to reach out to Becky," he said. More information is at facebook.com/ yarbroughseducationalreptiles/. Tucker can be reached at thesnakeshow@gmail.com or 256-453-9997. Small alligator is part of the show.