I guess a show like that might discourage novice snake owners from getting in over their head and purchasing a burmese, retic, or anaconda as their first pet. I know I was shocked to learn that a 3 ft retic is cheaper than the Dumeril's Boa. If I didn't know that the reticulated was a huge a snake while the Dumeril's boa usually doesn't exceed 6 ft (10ft is the largest I've heard about), then I could've just as easily bought the Retic. Some places will try their best to inform you about the snake's ultimate size, while some places don't mention how big the snakes get or their temperaments. They just describe what kind of morph they are and how lovely they would be as a pet.

I think that with fewer people getting in over their heads with regards to snakes, the better everything will be. I know I don't like to hear about a large python that was let loose because the snake lost its shock value to its owner. I'll probably never own a full size reticulated python because I know that I cannot safely maintain an animal like that. However, there are others who are willing to dedicate a room or basement to accommodate a snake like that. They know about the feeding requirements and the overzealous feed response. Most importantly, they know that reptiles have very long lifespans. Someone like me has no business with such a snake. The sad thing is that some people in my situation don't realize that, and they go out and get the snake. Then later on the snake ends up in the news because it was let loose, or worse it hurt or injured its owner.

This show may not necessarily be a bad thing.

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