> when a sadistic zoology professor backed me into a corner with
> his boa constrictor in front of the entire lab class.

That was completely wrong for him to do.

When I was growing up, I was home schooled - but Mom and I did herptile talks at many schools, the main attraction being our burmese pythons, but we also brought native herps, some exotic lizards, turtles (kids couldn't touch them due to school policy - I guess Samonella related but I don't remember), newts, etc.

One of the rules was that any child who did not want to be present had to have an alternative activity available (never happened) and any child who did not want to see the snakes eat the cute rat had to have something else available to do. A few kids did opt out of watching the snakes eat.

There were always kids who didn't want to touch - but often, those who were afraid to touch them but overcame their fear became the most interested in them by the end of the day.
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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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