Michael Shwedick isn’t cold-blooded, but he knows a lot about animals that are.

    Shwedick plans to share his encyclopedic knowledge of snakes, crocodiles, turtles and lizards with young and old during his “Reptile World” presentation Thursday, July 2, as part of the city of Dover’s Concerts on The Green series.

    “Like so many children, I was fascinated by reptiles,” he said. “My interest was not only in their beauty but in the way people perceived them.”

    During his early years, Shwedick, 55, thought it unusual humans had so many misconceptions about the animals he considered beautiful and fascinating.

    He found that by handling the reptiles and explaining them to people, he could help dispel myths such as snakes being slimy or that reptiles will attack with the slightest provocation.

    Most, he’s helped people realize, want nothing to do with humans, and will try to escape any time man is around.

    Through his work, Shwedick has helped research into preserving endangered reptilian species that do not breed well in captivity. As man expands his own habitat across the face of the planet, the amount of land animals have decreases, sometimes wiping out entire populations and putting greater pressure on those that do survive.

    He hopes to strike a chord in his audience that helps them recognize more must be done to keep dwindling populations from growing even smaller.

    “These animals play a part in the balance of nature,” he said. “They’re all a part of the Earth as we know it.”

    Shwedick estimates he brings Reptile World to more than 100,000 people a year, from Boston to Miami. He’s visited schools and colleges, festivals, and done private engagements, and appeared on more than 30 television shows, including Oprah Winfrey, when she was starting out in Baltimore. He’s also been featured in National Geographic’s World and other magazines.

    He travels from his home near Annapolis with his reptiles, all secured in specially-made containers.

    During each presentation, Shwedick provides a narrative about each animal he is showing, and allows audience members to get up close and personal with a giant python. The show also includes a turtle, tropical lizard, an American alligator, a crocodile from the Nile River, snakes and other reptiles.

    Shwedick feels people are coming around when it comes to changing attitudes about the Earth’s reptiles.

    “By seeing these animals, by having a chance to really learn about them in the simplest terms, that makes a profound difference. I’ve seen it happen,” he said.

    “I’ve bee fascinated by reptiles for 45 years, and there’s a huge difference in how people perceive reptiles then and now.”

    People wishing to see the Reptile World show are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

    In case of rain or impending inclement weather, call the Parks and Recreation Weather Line at 736-7155, for updated information on show relocation or cancellation.

Email Jeff Brown at jeff.brown@doverpost.com

If you go...
What: The Reptile World Animal Show with Michael Shwedick
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2
Where: The Green, Dover
Admission: Free
Information: Call the city of Dover Parks and Recreation Weather Line at 736-7155 for updated information on show relocation or cancellation