Whether Philosophy or Pay, Wyatt Exits USARK

Citing philosophical differences and the desire to pursue other interests, the United States Association of Reptile Keepers reports its co-founder, Andrew Wyatt, tendered his resignation as CEO and president of the group, effective Dec. 31, 2012.


The official statement expressed confidence that the reptile owners’ rights group would continue to pursue “an aggressive game plan for 2013.”

Specifically, USARK expects to remain active in defending against national, state and local legislation and regulations that would restrict Americans’ ability to own reptiles.  In addition, it plans to work closely with the National Reptile and Amphibian Advisory Council on its annual Reptile and Amphibian Law Symposium & Workshop and with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council on the issue of the release or escape of non-native reptile species into the U.S.

In addition, USARK plans to produce an educational video series on keeping and handling large constrictor snakes, a proactive effort to show that the reptile industry is a “responsible” industry.

That effort to be seen as responsible may have led to the philosophical differences cited in Wyatt’s departure. Did his passion no longer mesh with a more established, mature organization? (Its board of directors includes executives from some of the larger reptile companies in the pet industry, notably Zoo Med Laboratories Inc., Timberline Live Pet Foods, and LLLReptileand Supply Co.) For better or worse, Wyatt can be described as a firebrand and he was clearly effective as a grass roots organizer of reptile owners.  

 “As driving force behind hobbyist organization USARK, Wyatt raised his profile this year passionately attacking anti-reptile legislation, notably efforts to curtail trade in non-native species and to ban pythons, in Washington, D.C.,” wrote Pet Product News in its 25 To Watch in 2010 list. “His profile could increase further as additional laws restricting reptile ownership are proposed, especially if industry groups such as PIJAC or APPA are unwilling or unable to speak up.”

Under his direction, USARK offered a stark contrast to the efforts of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. When things meshed well, the two organizations may have worked much like the classic “good cop, bad cop” routine while lobbying against restrictive legislation in Washington, D.C. The then-brash Wyatt and USARK flashed passion, numbers, and wrath to legislators, allowing the more experienced PIJAC staffers to seek more political solutions.

On the other hand, the confrontational, sometimes over-the-top approach may have backfired by reinforcing legislators’ negative stereotypes of reptile keepers and introducing conflicts that needed to be resolved before issues could be discussed. If nothing else, USARK and PIJAC shared a sometimes antagonistic relationship in which they competed for contributions, resources and voice.

Indeed, the philosophical differences between USARK and Wyatt may be more related to his pay, which consumed 30 percent (about $90,000) of its $300,000 in revenues in 2012, according to the organization. USARK would like to raise $500,000 in 2013, which would allow it to hire a full-time office administrator, fund studies and pay legal expenses related to the fight against anti-herp legisltation. Lobbyist fees accounted for 35 percent of 2012 expenditures. The group does not appear to be actively searching for a replacement CEO.

It will be interesting so see what new interests Wyatt brings his passion to and how USARK will function without that passion and without a full-time leader.