In a recent episode of The Ellen Degeneres Show, 12-year-old snake expert Cody Ford took the stage and captivated the audience with his knowledge and passion for reptiles. Ellen recounted a story about seeing a snake near her home and wondering if it was a rattlesnake or a harmless king snake.
Enter Cody Ford, a bright young viewer from Portland, Oregon, who had the answer to Ellen’s question. As he joined Ellen on stage, he confidently identified the snake as a California king snake, assuring everyone that it was not poisonous. Cody proved his expertise by holding the snake without any fear or hesitation.
It turns out that Cody’s love for animals extends beyond snakes; he also has cats, dogs, three hermit crabs, and a snake of his own. Ellen and Cody chatted about hermit crabs and how fun they can be as pets. With his vast knowledge and collection of animals, it’s clear that Cody has a deep passion for all creatures.
Ellen was curious about how Cody knew so much about snakes. Cody explained that he had read about them in a book and learned that baby rattlesnakes have knobs, which resemble the beginnings of a rattle. This unique characteristic distinguishes them from other snakes.
Cody’s knowledge didn’t stop there. He shared that rattlesnakes shed their skin, debunking the misconception that the number of rattles on their tail represents their age. Instead, each time a rattlesnake sheds its skin, a new segment is added to its rattle.
Ellen complimented Cody on his bravery and then handed him the snake to hold. Cody confidently assured Ellen that the snake wouldn’t bite unless it was squeezed. As he held the snake, he explained that it was constantly moving because it was exploring its new surroundings.
Cody also educated Ellen about how snakes use their tongues to sense their environment. He revealed that the tongue helps them smell things because they lack a traditional nose. The snake’s tongue picks up scents, and when it puts the tongue back in its mouth, the scents meet special receptors on the roof of its mouth. This process allows the snake to identify and interpret different smells.
While Cody and Ellen discussed the intricacies of snake behavior, Ellen couldn’t help but express her trepidation. Despite her fears, she found the experience intriguing and realized that snakes often get a bad reputation.
To show her appreciation for Cody’s expertise, Ellen presented him with a gift. She gave him a giant snake as a keepsake and a $500 gift card for PetSmart to support his love for animals. With a new title as Ellen’s official snake expert, Cody received a warm applause from the audience.
The segment with Cody Ford proved that age is not a barrier when it comes to knowledge and passion. His love for reptiles and willingness to share his expertise left a lasting impression on Ellen and the entire audience. With his bright future ahead, it’s clear that Cody’s passion for animals will continue to grow and inspire others.
Originally aired on October 10, 2005
