>>I apologize for coming off a little aggressive. I applaud the amount of research you have done, but unfortunately not everybody posting their opinions on this topic have gone half the extent as you.

>>

>>“I” don’t claim to be a herpetologist. I consider myself a novice or more of a hobbyist. This may not include you, but a person that has read 20 “How to keep a boa” books does not make them a herpetologists or as knowledgeable as one.



Its not a problem. I appreciate hearing other people's views, but I also like to share my own.



I don't claim to be a herpetologist, but I do know quite a bit more than the average "snake owner" and feel I am at least intermediate level. I do most of my own veterinary work, with the exception of major surgery. I was taught how to do injections, wound care, oral medications, and more by my veterinarian. Do I consider myself a vet? No, considering I only know very little.



I know several people, who if their state or city had a college or university which provided a degree in herpetology, could easily pass the class by just taking the final.



Unfortunately, not every educational institution finds herpetology to be something they want included in their programs, so not all of us are lucky to have such a place to get a degree from. (Not to mention there are lots of them who can't just get up and move to a city/state where they can get a degree.)



There's one more thing that I can think about too. Many people would rather invest their time and money into their herps, rather than in getting a degree just to "prove" they know what they are doing. These people believe in themselves, not a piece of paper.



I've been a college student for a few years now. I've seen professors who don't know what they are teaching, but I've also seen the opposite. Sometimes the person with the degree stating they are "insert profession here" still doesn't know squat. Don't get me started on how much cheating goes on, either.
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Lower Ground Reptiles





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