Tom Crutchfield is a well-known name in the reptile community, with a long history of accomplishments and contributions too the hobby. Born in Marianna,Florida in 1949,Tom has been passionate about reptiles and amphibians as a young age. He started out catching snakes for the ross Allen Reptile Institute as a way to earn extra money.
Throughout his career, Tom has made significant contributions to the hobby. He has successfully bred numerous species, including many for the first time. He has also been involved in education and field work, such as participating in conservation studies with the San Salvador rock iguana (Cyclura rileyi).
Despite facing challenges over the years, Tom’s passion for reptiles remains strong. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights into his childhood interests and early experiences with reptiles.
FR: hello Tom! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us today.For those who may not be familiar with your background, could you tell us about your childhood and how you became interested in reptiles?
TC: My interest with reptiles began at a young age when I discovered my first ringneck snake under a rock in my yard at just six years old. From then on, I was hooked on catching snakes and learning more about them.
FR: You were one of the pioneers of modern herpetoculture during its early days in the 1980s.What were some challenges you faced while trying to establish yourself as an expert?
TC: One challenge was getting my name out there without access to resources like husbandry magazines or internet platforms that we have today. To overcome this obstacle, I started putting out monthly price lists through Herpetofauna Incorporated which eventually grew into a triumphant business.
FR: Your travels have taken you all over the world where you have collected various species of animals from different countries. Can you share some of your most memorable experiences from thes trips?
TC: One of the most memorable experiences was realizing the impact of collecting animals from their natural habitats during my travels in Asia. Seeing critically endangered species being sold in markets and kept in poor conditions made me realize the importance of conservation efforts.
FR: When did you shift your focus from importing animals to establishing breeding populations?
TC: My perspective changed after traveling around the world and seeing firsthand the impact of collecting animals from their natural habitats. I realized that it was crucial to establish breeding populations to reduce pressure on wild populations.
Tom’s passion for reptiles has led him on many adventures, including three trips around the world. He has witnessed firsthand the effects of overcollecting and has shifted his focus towards conservation efforts.
Tom Crutchfield is a true pioneer in herpetoculture with a wealth of knowledge and experience. His contributions to the hobby have been invaluable, and his passion for reptiles continues to inspire others today.]
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Stacy with Bill, a crocodile monitor. Photo courtesy Tom Crutchfield
The world of reptile keeping owes much to the efforts of Tom Crutchfield, a pioneer in the industry who has brought in numerous species that are now commonly found in the hobby. In this interview, he shares his experiences and insights on his journey as a reptile keeper.
FR: Which species do you believe would not have been available today if it weren’t for your efforts?
TC: I was one of the first to bring in 300 bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) from switzerland. While others also contributed to their introduction into the hobby, I am proud to say that some of those initial individuals survived and were successfully bred. Additionally, I was responsible for introducing albino Burmese pythons and ringed pythons (Ed celebucki), which served as the founding population for these species in the US. My colleagues Ed Celebucki and Hank Molt also brought Woma pythons from sydney.
Price list from before internet era.Photo by Tom Crutchfield
FR: you have always been a unique and dedicated reptile keeper, with a backyard filled with crocodilian breeding ponds and experience working with venomous snakes. How many different species have you worked with over the years, and how many have you successfully bred?
TC: I have had the privilege of working with over 200 species of reptiles, from Nerodia to Sanzinia. In terms of breeding success, I am proud to say that I have bred 10 species of crocodilians, five species of Cyclura iguanas, both types of emerald tree boas (corallus caninus and Corallus batesii), and also numerous other species such as cuban crocodiles (Tom laughs). Some notable examples include Iguana iguana and Iguana delicatissima.
FR: As someone who has seen countless field-collected animals come and go on dealer’s lists over the years, which species do you believe require more attention from hobbyists in terms of conservation efforts?
TC: When selecting which reptiles to breed in captivity, there are three factors that guide my choices. First and foremost is my personal interest in the species. Secondly, I tend to focus on higher-end or more expensive animals as they are not impulse purchases for most buyers due to their cost.And I prioritize breeding efforts for those species that are in need of conservation support. Examples include tree monitors (Varanus spp.), boas in the Chilabothrus genus (such as Dominican red mountain boa [C.striatus], Jamaican boa [C.subflavus], Abaco Island boa [C.exul]), Cyclura iguanas.
FR: Your stock lists were highly sought after back in the 80s when they were sent by mail. Along with a wide selection of species, you also offered high-end animals that were not available anywhere else, some with price tags reaching six figures.Can you tell us about some of your exclusive clientele?
A Dominican red mountain boa (Chilabothrus striatus).Photo courtesy Tom Crutchfield
TC: We sold many expensive and rare species during that time, which was our last form of public presence. Zoos were among our major buyers. Such as, we were the first to offer albino American alligators to the herpetoculture market. Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina purchased some from us. I also provided them with a large male Sunda gharial that I had raised from a young juvenile in one of my crocodilian ponds.
FR: Have you ever been bitten by a venomous reptile or experienced an attack from a large lizard or crocodilian?
TC: I have been bitten three times by venomous snakes but never while handling them directly.Two bites occurred through bags – one from an Osage copperhead and another from a West African green mamba (which was fortunately dry). The third bite was from a speckled rattlesnake which barely grazed my hand and did not result in envenomation. Thankfully, I have never had to receive antivenin treatment for any of these bites. The most severe injury I have sustained from a reptile was from a crocodile monitor bite about seven years ago. It permanently damaged my left index finger and required a blood transfusion during my five-day hospital stay.
Stacy on a herping expedition with native species. Photo courtesy Tom Crutchfield
FR: that sounds like quite an ordeal.
TC: (laughing) Yes, it was the worst bite I have ever experienced. I also had a Gila monster bite me once, which was not as severe as the croc monitor bite (continues to laugh). However, it did result in permanent damage to my left index finger.
FR: In addition to providing adequate space for your animals, what advice would you give to those interested in working with more unconventional species such as venomous reptiles, crocodilians, and large lizards?
TC: My beliefs is simple – only keep an animal if you can provide for its natural needs and behaviors. If you cannot do so, then perhaps consider another species that is better suited for your abilities and resources.Such as, caring for a six-foot iguana requires very different considerations than caring for an Anolis equestris.
FR: Your approach of keeping fewer species but providing them with ample space has been influential in the hobby community. What arguments would you give to those who still believe that minimal enclosure sizes are sufficient?
TC: There is a significant difference between keeping an animal alive and allowing it to thrive. Reptiles might potentially be able to tolerate substandard conditions, but this does not mean that they are thriving. A basic reptile cage can be compared to a life support system – while it may keep the animal alive,it does not allow for its natural behaviors and needs. As an analogy, a human can survive in a closet as long as they are provided with food and water, but this is far from an ideal living situation. Similarly, reptiles require adequate space and enrichment to truly thrive in captivity.
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The keeping of reptiles has profound psychological implications for humans, just as it does for the animals themselves. However, many reptile enthusiasts fail to recognize the intelligence and mental capacity of these creatures.
As someone who has been criticized for my stance on keeping giant snakes in small cages, I always ask those who oppose me to provide one reason why this practice benefits the animal and not just the keeper. The common argument is that smaller cages keep them alive and fed, but this is something that the animal cannot comprehend. It’s important to note that I am not targeting any specific individual with these statements; rather, if someone feels targeted, they should reexamine their husbandry methods.
I have personally kept snakes in large wire cages outside since the 1980s. In fact, over the past 15 years, I have even increased the size of these enclosures. People often question whether or not they rub their noses against the cage walls; however, this has never been an issue because my cages are equipped with temperature gradients and live plants for a more natural habitat. My goal is to provide ample space for these animals to exhibit their natural behaviors – such as climbing for large pythons and digging for lizards – which ultimately leads to a noticeable difference in how they respond to their keeper.
I have also kept crocodiles in my front yard with a fourth of an acre enclosure without any issues because I had the means to properly care for them in such a manner.
It’s no secret that many keepers tend to anthropomorphize their animals – attributing human characteristics or emotions onto them. While this may be part of human nature, it can lead people astray from understanding an animal’s true behavior and needs. This is where Umwelt comes into play – a German ethological term meaning each organism reacts differently based on its own reality or surroundings.
To truly understand an animal’s behavior and needs, one must understand their umwelt.This is something that comes naturally to some people, such as my wife Stacy who has a remarkable understanding of reptile ethology.
Stacy and I have been together for 10 years and married for six. She shares my passion for animals, especially our rock iguanas and crocodile monitor named Bill. Unluckily, she has recently suffered from bacterial and fungal pneumonia which has resulted in Stage 3 liver failure due to the extensive IV antibiotic treatment she received while hospitalized. Our thoughts are with her as we navigate through this tough time.
As someone who was once notorious for smuggling reptiles decades ago, I am well aware of the negative perception that may come with it – especially in today’s age of social media where people can easily voice their opinions without outcome. However, I have always been honest about my past actions and have never claimed to be anything other than what I am.
Despite my past, I am grateful to still hold a level of respect within the herp community both in the US and globally. People often approach me at shows to shake my hand or take pictures with me – something that means a lot considering everything I’ve been through.
I was also featured in eric Goode’s upcoming HBO docuseries about the herp community which was filmed over several years starting in 2011. While initially unaware of its true purpose, I trusted Eric due to his previous work in conservation efforts around the world.
keeping reptiles is not just a hobby but a obligation that requires understanding an animal’s natural behaviors and providing them with proper care based on their Umwelt. It is important for us as keepers to constantly educate ourselves on these creatures so we can provide them with the best possible life under our care.Rewritten Article:
As a writer and Registered Nurse based in Southwest Virginia, Foster Reves has had the chance to interview various individuals in the reptile industry. In this particular interview, he speaks with Tom Crutchfield, a well-known reptile breeder who has recently faced some challenges.
The conversation begins with a discussion about two popular documentaries,”Tiger King” and “Chimp Crazy,” which shed light on the world of big cat and primate keepers.Reves asks if Crutchfield feels that these documentaries have negatively portrayed the reptile industry as well. Initially, Crutchfield did not feel this way but after watching “Tiger King,” he admits to feeling a mix of excitement and dread.
Reves then thanks Crutchfield for agreeing to participate in the interview and wishes his partner Stacey a speedy recovery from her recent health issues. he also acknowledges that Crutchfield is currently going through a transition as he moves to a new place. In response, Crutchfield shares that it is bittersweet as it marks the end of his time at his big reptile farm in Homestead. However, he remains optimistic and believes that when life gives you lemons, you turn it into lemonade.
As their conversation comes to an end, Reves asks if there are any parting words that Crutchfield would like to share with readers. He reflects on how much he loved living on his farm for many years until he became an old man. Despite this change, he remains grateful for all the experiences and memories made there.
Tom Crutchfield’s journey as a reptile breeder has had its ups and downs but through it all, he remains passionate about these creatures. As Foster Reves wraps up their interview together, we are reminded of how critically important it is indeed to adapt to change while holding onto cherished memories along the way.
Absolutely fascinating topic!
Lisa: Sounds like an interesting read!