SHORELINES AND SNAKES: An Outer Banks reptile business proves to be a unique way to have fun on the coast in North Carolina.

In a 200-year-old farmhouse in Currituck County, husband and wife Paul and Andreana DiDario found the perfect place to keep 132 of their closest friends, which just happen to be reptiles.

OBX Lizard Land LLC opened in 2017 and has been drawing curious visitors ever since. The museum is home to more than 100 different species of reptiles, including monitor lizards, poisonous dart frogs and a 33-year-old albino rat snake.

Lizard Land saw approximately 2,000 visitors over the summer of 2019, an increase in demand that allowed the DiDarios to operate at full-time hours, seven days a week for the first time. Paul, who was working a second job until November 2018, now dedicates all of his attention to the growing business. "I thought the first year was going to be a struggle, but it ended up being a good year and we saw a small profit," he says.

Adults can visit the farmhouse and view as many as 33 different reptiles on display for only $5. Children 12 and under gain entry for $3.50, and children 2 and under get in for free.

The husband and wife team acknowledge high operating costs in this niche market make it difficult to see large returns. To keep ticket prices low, the pair take their reptiles on the road for birthday parties and class activities at local schools. "It's become a functioning part of the business," he says. "We have two birthday parties this weekend and another lined up for next [weekend]."

According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the state is home to 37 species of snakes, 12 species of lizards, one species of alligator and 21 species of turtles. Many residents are choosing to keep native and exotic species of reptiles as pets...

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