As many are aware, over the past 12 years, I have focused exclusively on producing some of the finest and most spectacular examples of Sinaloan and Nelson's milk snakes in the country. I have had the good fortune to know some great people and work with some truly amazing animals, which has allowed me to become a leader in producing so many unique and outstanding color and pattern mutations. Although I have worked very hard at mastering this specialty, just as seasons change, over time our interests can change as well. 2010 will most likely be my final year in working with these high end animals.

The decision to no longer keep and produce mutations of this type derives from many different variables; some personal while others revolve around the simple fact that these snakes have, over time, lost a bit of my interest. However, the possibility of producing some of the first albino splotched X t+ albinos and hypoerythristic splotched in the near future might help to keep a few select animals in the collection for an additional season or two. Only time will tell.

Those who know me, understand my passion for field herping and working with wild-type locality Lampropeltis. To me, this has always been more gratifying over the years and although I can appreciate mutations, no longer producing them on a large scale will ultimately allow me more the opportunity to do what I enjoy the most. Because of my love for triangulum, Cosala, Mexican locality L. sinaloae will remain in the collection as well as gaigeae, annulata and celaenops. I will continue to focus on locale specific members of the Mexicana Complex and now keep an array of locality Arizona and Mexican pyromelana/knoblochi, L. zonata, as well as Mexican pituophis. But again, for now, I plan on keeping all of the sinaloan/nelson's morphs through the end of the year before I sit down to reevaluate my decision in letting them go. If I do, it will be a fantastic opportunity for those who appreciate these beautiful animals as I have over the years.

With this hobby, I have believed in keeping what you truly enjoy, being fair and honest, and have cared about establishing friendships with those who share my passion for these incredible creatures more than anything else. Living by these ethics has put me where I am today. Not only do I have my mentors, Pete Cragg and David Doherty to thank, most importantly, thank all of you that have been supportive of me over the past 12 years. I have developed some solid friendships with many of you; friendships that I appreciate more than you realize. I have built a strong foundation and name in the keeping of these incredible snakes but feel it soon may be time for me to step down and let others enjoy the success I have with these animals. By no means am I leaving...just switching gears a bit. It's been a great ride but, in the end, it's always best to realize what's most important to us.
Nathan Wells

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