My name is Knox and I am 10 years old. I live in Arizona and I am passionate about the education and correct representation of our local wildlife. It has come to my attention that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has posted signs warning about "Poisonous Snakes and Insects" inhabiting certain areas. However, this is scientifically incorrect. The accurate terms should be "Venomous Snakes and Arachnids."

It is important to know the difference between 'poisonous' and 'venomous'. If something is poisonous, it affects you if you have eaten or touched it. If something is venomous, it needs to inject the toxin into you whether that is by a sting or a bite. By mislabeling these signs, we are spreading misinformation about our native species.

Referring to a scorpion as an insect is also misleading. Scorpions are arachnids. They are considered arachnids because they have 8 legs, not 6 like insects. They also have pedipalps (pinchers/claws), and lack antennae (these are just the main 3 things that make them arachnids).

By correcting these signs, ADOT can help educate the public about our native species while still conveying the necessary cautionary message.

Let's urge ADOT to respect scientific accuracy in their public communications by updating these signs with correct terminology. This small change can make a big difference in how we understand and appreciate our local wildlife.

Please sign this petition urging ADOT to correctly label their warning signs.

I am suggesting they change the sign to say:
"Venomous Snakes and Arachnids Inhabit this Area"

THANK YOU!