SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The Gulf Coast Association of Reptile Keepers will host Reptile Appreciation Day July 9 at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Causeway in Spanish Fort.

"There will be lots of different species on display that you definitely won't see at your local pet store," 5 Rivers Assistant Manager Shonda Borden said.

The special guests will include yellow anaconda, reticulated python, indigo snakes, adult sulcata tortoises, European ratsnake, various species of hognose snakes, as well as "some obscure species from our own backyard," she said.

The free event begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. with various raffles throughout the day, and enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their own pet "herps" to compete in a "Best in Show" contest. Pre-registration for brining personal pets is required, though.

The Mobile-based nonprofit Reptile Keepers was chartered in 2010, to promote "proper ownership and propagation of all creatures reptilian and amphibian."

The educational organization was also created to "enlighten others about the fascinating and often misunderstood world of reptiles as well as furthering conservation of wild herp species native to the Gulf Coast."

For more information, email GulfCoastARK@gmail.com.