Although I respect your opinion, reptile rescues are full of large snakes bought as juveniles by people who thought they could handle the responsibility of large snake ownership only to find out that they were in way over their heads once the snake passed the 8 to 10 foot mark. Look at what has happened to the Burmese python due to easy access by keepers who have absolutely no business owning one of these snakes. Reptile rescues are over run by large reptiles such as sulcatas, iguanas, varanids, and large constrictors. Does this mean that no one should own large snakes without first training under someone who does? No, but for the vast majority it is a very good idea as most people do not consider the feeding, cleaning, and sometimes danger in owning these animals. I personally get calls from people who can't seem to handle the responsibility of owning even ball pythons due to the "work" involved in keeping the animal they bought as a juvenile. Large to giant snakes are a much bigger burden on time and funds than smaller snakes and in my opinion most would take a pass if they had to clean out a cage with feces larger then those of a horse or had to deal with a male retic that has entered breeding season and whose personality has temporarily changed from docile to aggressive and dangerous. These are experiences that should be acquired prior to owning these animals as they can't be changed once the animal has reached maturity and the keeper all of a sudden realizes that his/her house now smells like an anacondas backside following a feeding or that they can't really handle a 14 foot angry, pacing snake for the 5 to 7 month breeding season. It is a well known and sad reality that most large snakes sold in pet stores die long before they reach old age. In most cases this is due to poor care and neglect because the person who purchased the snake has lost interest or is afraid of the snake that was a cute 20 inch juvie, but is now a 14 foot 80 pound predator capable of inflicting severe damage to its keeper. I believe that if people are properly educated and still want to own one of these snakes then by all means they should have that opportunity, but the decision should be based on knowledge of what to expect rather than the excitement of the intial purchase. Just my opinion.

Shane

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