> Interestingly enough, my "simple" answer to the original question
> is: I think WILD snakes belong in the WILD.

I tend to agree for a couple of reasons, but also disagree.

I have a bigger problem taking adults from the wild than hatchlings. Adults have demonstrated the ability and luck to survive in the wild, and probably should be given opportunity to pass their genes on in the wild. Snakes (like my large male) that are rescued from habitat destruction do not belong in the wild.

I do though feel there is a need, when a species has a stable wild population, to occasionally borrow from the wild.

In captivity, snakes that have poor genetics survive because survival of the fittest does not play a role. Wild snakes are more likely to be resistant to certain diseases and parasites, because the young that do not have the right gene combinations are less likely to reach adult status.

But in captivity, young without good resistance are less likely to die. Patterning and docile temperment are the key to passing on genes in captivity.

This can result in less liklihood of survival when they do contract something - such as my CB Baja King.

Bringing in males from the wild and breeding them with CB females can help refreshen the gene pool and result in strong lines.

Now - I'm not a biologist, so maybe that logic is just bull smurf.
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3.0 WC; 0.1 CB L. getula californiae
0.1 CB L. pyromelana pyromelana
0.1 WC Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata (gravid)

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