University of Idaho Minidoka County Extension Educator Jason Thomas hands Malea Rencher, 9, a giant prickly stick insect Friday at the Minidoka County fairgrounds in Rupert.
PAT SUTPHIN, TIMES-NEWS
University of Idaho Minidoka County Extension Educator Jason holds up a pink winged stick insect Friday at the Minidoka County fairgrounds in Rupert.
PAT SUTPHIN TIMES-NEWS
Jason Thomas, agriculture extension agent, shows off different insects to visitors Friday at the Minidoka County fairgrounds in Rupert.
PAT SUTPHIN TIMES-NEWS
Jason Thomas reaches into the aquarium to retrieve a pink winged stick insect Friday at the Minidoka County fairgrounds in Rupert.
PAT SUTPHIN TIMES-NEWS
Jason Thomas hands Malea Rencher, 9, a giant prickly stick insect Friday at the Minidoka County fairgrounds in Rupert.
RUPERT — Most people choose pets with soft fur and big adoring eyes, but Rupert’s Jason Thomas picks pets that have either six or eight legs, somewhat beady eyes, and sometimes, the ability to inject venom.
"I wouldn't say it's been hell, but it's been a really big annoyance," one homeowner said.
University of Idaho Minidoka County Extension Educator Jason Thomas hands Malea Rencher, 9, a giant prickly stick insect Friday at the Minidoka County fairgrounds in Rupert.