Snakes, Scorpions and Hedgehogs? Meet the West Texas Man Behind Owl Town Exotics

If your idea of a perfect pet is something fluffy that likes to play fetch, this might not be your kind of business.

But if you've ever wanted a snake, a chameleon or even a scorpion, there's a guy just north of Lubbock who might be right up your alley.

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His name is Trey Lucero, and he's the founder of Owl Town Exotics, a home-based exotic-animal business in Hale Center, Texas.

And what started as a childhood fascination with unusual animals has turned into an actual business.

From Childhood Fascination to Exotic Animal Business

Most kids grow up wanting a puppy or a kitten.

Some kids want something a little more interesting.

For Lucero, exotic animals have been a passion since childhood. He always dreamed of finding a way to work with them, and eventually decided to turn that dream into a business.

Today, Owl Town Exotics works with a variety of creatures you probably won't find wandering around your average West Texas backyard.

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Well, at least I HOPE you won't.

The animals include:

• Ball pythons
• Hedgehogs
• Chameleons
• Pac-Man frogs
• Scorpions
• Other invertebrates

And yes, Pac-Man frogs are a real thing. They're round, have enormous mouths and look a little like the classic video game character.

Personally, I think a hedgehog sounds pretty cool.

The scorpions? I'll admire those from a comfortable distance.

Owl Town Exotics

You Can Meet Owl Town Exotics at Reptile Shows Around West Texas

Unlike a traditional pet store, Owl Town Exotics operates out of Lucero's home in Hale Center.

That means you won't find a storefront where you can just walk in and browse the snakes.

Instead, Lucero connects with customers through Facebook and appearances at reptile expos throughout the region.

Owl Town Exotics participates in events in Lubbock, Amarillo, Odessa and Abilene, giving people an opportunity to meet Lucero and learn more about the animals.

The business recommends contacting its Facebook page through Messenger to find out which upcoming shows it will attend.

Owl Town Exotics

A Big Reptile Expo Is Coming to Lubbock on Halloween Weekend

And speaking of reptile expos, there's one coming to Lubbock at a particularly appropriate time of year.

Show Me Reptiles is promoting an expo at the South Plains Fairgrounds on October 31st and November 1st, 2026.

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That's right. Halloween weekend!

Snakes, scorpions and other creepy-crawlies on Halloween?

Somehow, that seems like perfect timing.

The event offers local animal enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the world of reptiles and other exotic creatures without having to travel across the state.

Owl Town Exotics

Thinking About Getting an Exotic Pet?

Exotic animals can be fascinating, but they're definitely not the same as bringing home a dog or cat.

Different species have very different needs when it comes to housing, temperature, humidity, feeding and handling.

So if you've been considering something like a ball python or chameleon, it's important to understand what you're getting into before bringing one home.

For Lucero, though, working with these animals is about something he's been interested in for most of his life.

And it's pretty neat to see somebody from a small West Texas town turn a childhood passion into a business.

Owl Town Exotics

How to Contact Owl Town Exotics

If you'd like to learn more about the animals, ask questions or find out where Owl Town Exotics will be appearing next, look for Owl Town Exotics on Facebook.

Facebook Messenger is the business's preferred method of contact.

And if you've ever wondered what it would be like to own a hedgehog, a ball python or a Pac-Man frog, you might want to check them out.

Just remember, some pets want to cuddle. Others would probably rather eat a cricket.