I also do a lot of public education and attitudes about reptiles have changed 180 degrees since I was a child. I was recently at a beach on the WI river and observed a fox snake in the river swimming to shore near some people fishing. I went over to pick it up because I was afraid people would become alarmed and try to harm it. As I picked it up several persons shouted at me not to harm it because they are harmless and beneficial!!! I was completely shocked! 50 years ago people thought I was nuts to own snakes. Now when I do presentations I get mobbed by people wanting to hold a snake.
Pertaining to legislation, there is a big difference between owners and nonowners who only have a casual interest and acceptance of reptiles. Nonowners have no vested interest in attending legislative hearings or writing to lawmakers to oppose restrictive legislation, and will not be motivated to do anything about it even if they sympathize with or agree with our cause. In that respect we cannot expect material support from them anymore than we can from people who hate snakes.

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