First off, I'd like to state that I do not support the massive collection of animals. But is there ever a time that collection can be justified? I think there is. During this past year I had moved into a neighborhood on the FL panhandle that was being rapidly developed. While driving to work one day I came across an Eastern Diamondback attempting to cross the road. I stopped, and after cursing out a school bus driver, that was actually TRYING to run over the snake, I quickly bagged the Diamondback. On the way to work I relocated it to a nearby reservation, but this incident got me thinking, "If there's one, there may be others." I never found another Diamondback, but I did come across two Scarlet Kingsnakes and many other colubrids.



Most of the snakes were found using the destructive method of bark ripping. I do not usually support this method, but seeing how 12 lots on my street alone were demolished in the last year; I felt it to be the best option. All but four of the snakes found were relocated to the reservation. I kept the Scarlet Kings and two Cornsnakes, and intend on keeping them unless I find that it is unlawful to do so. I do not believe that these herps would have survived if not for my efforts. I can only hope that the animals that were relocated have adapted to their new surroundings.



I am interested in hearing your response. This type of situation occurs each and every day, though it is difficult to know for sure if this type of collection is productive to the environment. If it is indeed lawful to keep these snakes (in FL), I plan on breeding them in the future for distribution (NOT for sale) to benefit the herp community and to provide these animals with a meaningful life. The pic is of one of the scarlets collected. Thanks for reading, and please share your opinion.-Smokey

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