11-year-old Cae is the first Reptile Scout to reach T. Rex level (and is a completely amazing human being). Below are some of my favorite photos that he’s sent, as well a few questions that he answered over email for me. His independent T. Rex project is at the bottom of this post. Cae has completed some great projects over the past year or so to earn his merit badges, and has been a very engaging and enthusiastic Scout. Great work Cae! 

–Sophie

Holding a Burmese Python at the Iowa State Fair.

Sophie: When did you first become interested in reptiles?

Cae: Around 4th grade.

With a snapping turtle.

Sophie: What’s an interesting experience or interaction that you’ve had with a reptile?

Cae: When a ball python bit me in the head.

[Sophie: !!!]

Working on his Painted Turtle badge.

Sophie: What’s your favorite reptile and why?

Cae: The bullsnake because it can imitate a rattlesnake.

[Sophie: Cae was the first person to tell me about the bullsnake–although non-venomous, its coloration is similar to the dimondback rattler, and when threatened the bullsnake can force air through its windpipe in a way that imitates the rattle of a rattlesnake.]

The Reptile Scouts hat that he made!

Here’s Cae’s independent project that he completed for his T. Rex badge. His idea was to create his own imaginary reptile. This is what he came up with: