First I want to say is that any issues we have with bans and regulations can not be blamed on anyone but our own community. There are too many irresponsible keepers out there and more and more enter the hobby every day. Truth be told, I am all for permit systems. I think every keeper should be permitted in order to keep reptiles and should be subject to spot checks to make sure thing are being done correctly. The only people who would have a problem with that are those who have something to worry about.



For as long as I can remember, large constrictors were treated as not being a potential danger. The fact is, they can be very dangerous. They can and do kill people. Folks who keep these large constrictors have told me I am crazy for keeping venomous snakes. My reply was always, "If I get bit, there is an antivenin in place to keep me from takin a dirt nap. If a big burm or retic wraps a few coils around you, there is no antivenin for that." Besides, a young kid can go into a pet store and buy a burm or retic. You can not do that with venomous.



As far as worrying about hog being regulated goes, it does not matter to me either way. Number 1, I will never stop keeping and breeding them. I will do whatever needs to be done in order to keep them legally. If there is no option to keep them legally, I will keep them anyway.



There are only 3 States that regulate the keeping of Western hognose snakes Illinois, Colorado, and one other. I think it is one of the Dakotas. The regulations have to do with them being a protected species in those states. It has nothing to do with their fangs and/or venom.



So, am I worried about the future of hognose snakes in the hobby? Not at all. It will not affect what I do in any way.

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