Grove’s Young Critter Catcher Chases Junior Ranger Dream

Eight-year-old Pope Drake does not ease into the outdoors after school. The moment he gets home, he heads straight for the creek and pond behind his family’s home, regardless of the weather, searching for snakes, turtles and frogs hidden beneath rocks, brush piles and fallen logs.

According to his mom, Alicia Drake, no stone goes unturned.

That curiosity and passion for wildlife has now landed the Grove, Oklahoma, youngster in the running for the 2026 Junior Ranger competition, where he currently sits near the top of his group with hopes of eventually meeting wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin, appearing in Ranger Rick magazine and winning a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

For Pope, though, this journey did not begin with a contest. It started long before that, in muddy creek banks, quiet woods and countless afternoons spent searching for critters across the family’s 77-acre property.

“Pope has loved the outdoors ever since he was a baby,” Alicia said. “Whenever he would get restless and start crying, all I had to do was carry him outside and he was instantly calmer and happier.”

Even as a toddler, Pope seemed certain his connection to nature was something deeper.

“He used to tell me God made him love critters and snakes before he was ever my baby,” Alicia shared. “He was three when he told me that.”

Today, not much has changed.

The Drake family property offers what Pope considers the perfect backyard. There is a pond behind the house, a creek winding through the land, small caves to explore and even a freshwater spring flowing from the hillside into the creek below. Pope and his brother spend their free time riding ATVs across the property, fishing and exploring every corner they can reach.

For Pope, the outdoors is more than entertainment. It is where he feels most at home.

“He enjoys going for nature walks because he loves the peace and calm you can only find in the woods,” Alicia said. “Those were his exact words.”

While many kids his age spend afternoons inside, Pope is usually knee-deep in creek water searching for his next discovery. His favorite animals are snakes, and he talks about them with the excitement of someone far beyond his years.

One of his favorite finds so far has been a plain-bellied water snake.

“Their bellies are really colorful and beautiful,” Pope said.

He speaks about reptiles with both admiration and understanding, often hoping to change the way other people see them.

“They are actually much friendlier than people think,” he said. “If you are gentle with them, they will be gentle with you. They only bite when they feel threatened.”

That perspective has even rubbed off on his parents.

Alicia admitted that neither she nor Pope’s father had ever been particularly fond of snakes before watching Pope interact with them.

“Seeing the world through his eyes has made me appreciate and even come to like snakes rather than fear them,” she said.

Pope’s knowledge about wildlife constantly surprises his family. Alicia said he spends time researching animals online, watching videos and learning facts about species from all over the world. At this point, he can identify nearly any snake “at a glance.”

“He has taught us so much,” Alicia said.

What stands out most is not just Pope’s knowledge, but the excitement he carries while sharing it with others.

That enthusiasm has become well-known around Grove, especially at Drake's Restaurant, the family restaurant owned by Pope’s grandparents. Customers and regulars have come to know Pope as the local “critter catcher,” often stopping to ask about his latest adventure or unusual find.

Sometimes, Pope even brings a critter with him.

“All the regulars look forward to seeing what critter Pope has either caught that day or brought with him to show the customers,” Alicia said. “He loves to bring something in so people will strike up conversations with him and he has the chance to share his love and knowledge of critters with them.”

That support from the community has only grown since Pope entered the Junior Ranger competition.

“The community has really been behind Pope winning this competition,” Alicia said. “They all want their little hometown critter catcher to win.”

The competition itself has become a dream opportunity for Pope, who is already imagining what it would be like to meet Jeff Corwin face-to-face.

“He wants to win so badly so that he has the chance to meet Jeff Corwin and be able to have an exclusive wildlife experience with him,” Alicia said.

Pope already knows exactly what he would ask Corwin if given the chance.

“I’d ask him what his favorite animal and reptile is and why,” Pope said.

As for where he hopes that wildlife adventure would take place, Pope does not hesitate.

“The rainforest,” he said.

More specifically, the Amazon rainforest.

It is easy to see why the idea excites him. Pope already treats the woods behind his home like his own wilderness expedition. The possibility of exploring one of the most biodiverse places on earth alongside one of his heroes feels almost too perfect for a child who spends his afternoons turning over rocks and searching creek beds for snakes.

Even with the growing attention surrounding the competition, Pope still carries himself with the confidence and wonder of a kid who simply loves what he loves.

When asked why he feels so drawn to animals and reptiles, his answer was simple.

“That’s just the way God made me,” he said.

That unwavering passion is exactly what Alicia and her husband hope their sons continue to follow as they grow older.

“We have always told our boys to find their passion in life and make a career of it,” Alicia said. “What’s better than living what you love and making money at it? Then it’s not a job, it’s a lifelong adventure.”

For Pope, wildlife already feels less like a hobby and more like a calling.

“He’d like to do what Jeff Corwin does,” Alicia said. “Watch out Jeff Corwin, Pope’s coming for your job!”

At just eight years old, Pope already has a remarkable understanding of the natural world around him. He sees beauty where others see fear. He finds adventure in muddy creek banks and hidden brush piles. Most importantly, he wants to share that wonder with everyone he meets.

Whether he ultimately wins the Junior Ranger competition or not, one thing is already certain: Grove’s young critter catcher has made a lasting impression on his hometown.

And somewhere out in the woods, there is probably another snake waiting for Pope to discover it.

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