The American Hissssstory Teacher

Chuck Green’s pets don’t run and bark. They slither and hiss.

To the horror of those who suffer from ophidiophobia (a fear of snakes), the reptiles that make up the American History teacher’s collection were all found on the school campus.

He houses them in glass fish tanks in his garage, but only keeps the non-venomous types. Some are in plain view; others are shy and hide in lengths of PVC pipe or are coiled around the various objects in their habitats.

"The gopher snake is Jake," Green said, although how he determined the gender is a mystery to anyone not familiar with the species. The garter snake is Buzz Lightyear (from the movie "Toy Story"). Then there’s Rocky. The name could also come from a movie, but more likely it’s because he spends a lot of time under a rock.

In a pond at the Green’s home’s entryway is a collection of reptiles of another stripe ... or shell: turtles.

Green’s fascination with reptiles began as a youth.

"My dad was a biology teacher," he said. "He brought home a rattlesnake from Folsom one time."

That started a lifelong interest. No rattlesnakes, though. "It would be dangerous to have them around."

No kidding.

For teaching purposes, some indigenous wild animal species may be kept without a state permit. Chuck Green often takes his pets to school so students in the science classes can see them and develop an appreciation for the species. And, perhaps, lose some of their fears.

"The kids in the neighborhood enjoy them," he said. One little girl who walks her dog with her mother often comes by and asks to see the snakes. Green always accommodates those with an interest, especially children.

There are some misconceptions. "Snakes are not slimy–they’re smooth and dry," Green said. "They inspire fear for a lot of reasons ... like spiders."

Someone who was apparently playing to that fear on one occasion put a snake in the Rosemont High School faculty office.

"A prank, I think."

Green caught it and took it home, eventually releasing it in a pond behind the school. He will also release the others at some point.

But how does Mrs. Green view all of this?

"My wife has been very supportive," he said. "She’s been great about it." In fact, when Green considered turning ‘Jake the snake’ loose, his wife urged him to keep him "because he is so pretty."

Jacque Green, Chuck's wife, knew what she was getting into from the very beginning. "We’ve had snakes ever since we got married," she said. "As long as they stay outside, I’m good with it."

But they don’t always stay outside. "A few have gotten loose in the house," she said. None have ever been found again. The presumption is that they made their way to the outside, since there's no evidence to the contrary.

In the years the Greens have been together it has been a constant parade of snakes, salamanders, lizards and turtles–anything wiggly and reptilian.

So if Chuck Green ever sticks his tongue out at you, you probably should not feel insulted. It may just be a greeting.