Knowing Your Neighbor: Local Reptile Business Seeks New Home

HERMANTOWN MN. — Tucked away in the basement of the World of Fish building, The Snake Pit is a hidden gem for reptile enthusiasts.
Guests can get to know animals like snakes, geckos, skinks, tarantulas, tortoises, and even an alligator. Just to name a few.

For Snake Pit owner Roger Hill, this hobby, and business, has been a lifelong passion for him.

“It’s just always been something I’ve always believed in, and always have done. I did my first program when I was 17.” said Hill.

Hill has spent decades educating others on reptiles.

“36 years, and it still, it never gets old. The look of wonder or curiosity from kids, adults too, it never gets old.” said Hill

The Snake Pit is a place where people like Nicole Ehresman can gain a sense of belonging, a new passion,

“I needed places to hang out. So, I just come, stop in, I’d look at all the animals.” said Ehresman.

And eventually, gain a new friend to take home.

“I eventually ended up getting my first gecko.” said Ehresman.

Those interactions give people a reason to come back.

“So, then I needed food for the gecko. So of course this was, no brainer, the spot to stay.” explained Ehresman

With having your own business, Hill says, it gives him the ability to do hands on learning with guests.

The nice thing about being here and doing this is we have the freedom to do be able to say, ‘You want to hold him, go ahead.'” said Hill.  “We have the freedom to let people come in and get comfortable with something if they’re considering buying it, before they have to purchase it and take it home.”

Being able to get younger kids interacting with these animals is especially important to Ehresman.

“People bring in their kids all the time. And it’s important to me, just to share that excitement with them.” said Ehresman,
“Sometimes they’re scared of things, but by the end of it they almost always warm up.”

The hands-on learning happens outside the pit as well.

“So we go to schools, birthday parties, and it’s a blast.” said Ehresman

But they also do so much more for the community, like for customer Quinn Williams, Hill helped him when he needed some guidance.

“Talking with Roger, he has the knowledge of frogs, geckos, snakes. So, kind of getting that information correct can provide the best habitat for your pets.” explained Williams

Recently, the building used for this business has been sold to a new company. They’re on the hunt for a new location. It’s not going to be cheap.

“For example, the mall, six thousand a month for a thousand square feet.” said Hill

That being said, the community has shown their support.

“When we posted that we were not sure of what we were going to do, the fate of the store was going to be, there was an immediate outpouring of support.” recalled Hill

Many people have helped in different ways. All to show their appreciation for the small business, and the impact it’s left them.

“We have about six thousand followers on the page, you know I just started here six years ago in this space.” said Hill

They’re trying to keep the Snake Pit leaving lasting memories for regulars, and newcomers alike.

“We just want to continue to be able to offer unique programming and things.” said Hill

If you’re looking to help contribute to helping this business, you can leave a donation on their go fund me.