OSHKOSH, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) - Megan Villand was all about snakes, dinosaurs and the outdoors growing up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

She still is.

Villand’s life-long passion has turned into a job working with some of the worlds most venous snakes, spiders, lizards and scorpions. It’s also something she wants to share with the general public when MToxins Venom Lab in Oshkosh opens its doors to the public this spring.

The nine-year old business specializes in extracting venom for companies who specialize in the creation of anti-venoms used all over the world. Components of the venom are also used by pharmaceutical companies for other medications.

A recent move to a new building in the heart of Oshkosh is giving MToxins the opportunity to develop an educational program tied to the business. People will be able to watch venom extraction and processing while checking out displays and animals.

“We hope the general public leaves with a respect for reptiles and arachnids,” said Villand, who is in her last semester at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. “The animals on our venom line save more lives than they could ever hope  to take in the wild. They serve a really important purpose here which is why we treat them with the utmost respect.”

There is no other way to make an anti-venom then to start with venom, she said.

MToxins plans to launch its educational program in May but will begin hosting private tour groups starting in March.

Owner Nathaniel Frank said he hopes giving people an inside look at the business will inspire others.

“Not only because we believe in the conservation of these animals, but … the next great scientific mind could be right here in the Fox Valley, right here in the state of Wisconsin,” he said.

More information about MToxins can be found on its website.