Tom McDonald, Tohono Chul Park's docent coordinator, lets Pyro the mountain kingsnake have a friendly visit with Derek Binion. No doubt the two have met before — the 3-year-old is a "Reptile Ramble" regular.

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Who knew snakes could be this much fun?

Tom McDonald, evidently. He appeared to be quite content on a recent Friday, surrounded by onlookers and with Pyro, a mountain kingsnake, wrapped around his neck.

But he's no masochist looking for a creative way to be tortured by slithering creatures.

Instead, McDonald, the docent coordinator at Tohono Chul Park on the Northwest Side, brings out the creatures every Friday and shows them off to visitors, who are curious about the desert animals that live in their backyards.

At the "Reptile Ramble," docents introduce park-goers to the variety of reptiles found on Tohono Chul's desert grounds. Visitors also learn about the creatures' habitats.

Some visitors, mostly children, were a little nervous about being so up-close and personal with wild animals. One boy, standing about 5 feet from McDonald and his snake, took cover when McDonald came close to offer the reptile for a friendly visit.

But others, such as 3-year-old Derek Binion, show up at least a couple of times a month to "pet the snakes." His mother, Suzanne Binion, suggested that her son may like the animals a little too much.

"He found me a rattlesnake" from a nearby park once, said Binion, 42. "But I said, 'No, thanks.' "

Tohono Chul Park, at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, covers about 49 acres.

About 35 adults and children sat under a shaded ramada recently — after all, it's hot even at 10 a.m. in the Sonoran Desert — while docents trotted out the reptiles and offered some history about each one.

That included a Western hognose snake, with its sandy- and dark-brown coloring, and a head that slightly resembled that of a swine.

"Just look at that face," said docent Margaret Douglas, eyeing the creature like a dog owner affectionately greets her pet. "One only a mother could love."

The expo is more than just about snakes. In fact, on a cart near the presentation area sat some other desert creatures, including a live-looking palo verde beetle.

"He donated his body to science," Douglas quipped.

The hands-on reptile event starts every Friday at 10 a.m. at the park's Overlook Ramada, and it will continue through the end of October.