Page 14 - Robeson Living Spring 2022

Born To Be Wild —

Jerry Brewer By Crissy Neville

What do snakes and movies, waterways and Robeson Coun- heart.
ty all have in common? Why, Jerry Brewer of Pembroke, of
course, and if his name was not the first answer to come to Non-formally educated, Brewer sees the world as his class-
mind, read on for a tale of the wildest kind. room and reptiles his research. A man of great faith, he first
credits God and then the mentors and professionals he has had
Steppenwolf cranked out the carefree lyrics to “Born to Be the fortune with whom to work and learn from for the knowl-
Wild” back in 1968. Did the artist write the words to describe edge gained and successes found. Not a diploma on the wall
Brewer, one living on the wild side his whole life and called the or a title behind his name but daily reading, a love of traveling
“most interesting man in Robeson County” by many? and lifelong learning combined with a supportive network of
family and friends have helped him accomplish much.
We many never know, but as a snake hunter, zoo owner and an-
imal wrangler in the Wilmington tourism and movie industries “My degree is in living,” he said.
of the past, the New Hanover County native turned Robeson
transplant is, hands down, the stuff songs are made of. Yet his nicknames prove his dual allegiance to both wildlife
and water. Brewer’s CB radio handle was “Snake Man” back in
He may have turned his snake boots in for the water shoes he the days of sideburns and truck stops, but modern communica-
now dons aboard kayaks floats on the Lumber River, but he tion shows his username to be “Kayak Jerry” now. His curious
will always be a self-taught snake enthusiast and naturalist at nature and love for the flora and fauna of Robeson County have

Page 14 Robeson Living ~ Spring 2022