My 10 year old knows more about snakes than most adults do. I have 2 kids, 10 & 16, and have been keeping snakes since they were 5 & 11. I don't have anything huge...mostly north american ratsnakes.

It all boils down to common sense, doesn't it? Actually, it doesn't...but it should!

None of MY snakes would be able to bring harm to us. If I had really BIG snakes (or venomous) then I would need to keep them under lock & key. I have had 3 escapes in 5 years. All found.

Here's a thought: Which is more likely to harm you or your kids? A snake or a dog? Poodle? Lab? Pitt Bull? Maybe a mutt? What about a house cat? I have kept many many pets in my lifetime, and I think that a gerbil or hamster is more likely to bite you than a snake.

The answer is, of course, education. And it's interesting that it's the kids who want to learn about these animals. A friend of mine does herp shows at schools and parties. The kids LOVE it and of course some of the adults are scared.

Duffy

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