I am probably one of those that get critical at times by grammar/spelling/etc. Public schools, if doing there job, and, if the student is applying himself/herself, should be able to master basic grammar and spelling. There's just no excuse to not be able to write intelligently written sentences (and you can probably find a few mistakes in my writing...actually, many). I just get a bit concerned when I see people making posts who honestly have about a 3rd grade writing level that are keeping venomous creatures that require a far higher level of learning. Just my .02. All of your other comments were right on.



Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center

Lake Forest, IL



>>I have to say that I see good points made by all. I personally would love to have an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. However there is a specific reason why I dont.

>>

>>- Lack of experience

>>- illegal in my place of residence

>>- inability to afford antivenin in the event that I get nailed.

>>

>>This hobby is full of individuals that rush into things. Rushing isn't going to help you acquire experience, in fact it can only prevent you from acquiring the proper experience. There are so many people who wish to do things the improper way, and these are the ones that kill our hobby (or whatever you wish to call it). By taking your time and doing things the proper way, you are ensuring that you will be successful in what you do, and at the same moment you will help put our hobby in a positive light.

>>

>>The mistakes you make dont just effect yourself. They affect everyone that has the same passion as you. There are several keepers in here that have worked hard to obtain the experience they have and are very responsible keepers. At the same time, there are those that just "wing it" and those are typically the ones you will see on the headlines. Sure I have heard of zoo-keepers and such getting tagged. But they wont make the front page. Why? Because they take precautions to help ensure that the bite victim lives. Most people that obtain venomous snakes, are keeping them in inadequate caging, w/out proper experience, and most likely they dont know where the nearest location of "Black Mamba" antivenin is in the event they get bit.

>>

>>I used to be one of the ones in and out of the forums asking annoying questions (actually, let me take that back.....I still am one of the ones continuously asking annoying questions). But one thing that I notice between some of my questions, and those that others ask, is that most of the time the person asking the question hasn't bothered to research the issue further before coming into a forum and asking, "How do I take care of this, I got it for my birthday!?!" or "I am 16 years old and want a king cobra, how can I get one?". I prefer to research my questions first and try to ask a more intelligent question. I dont ask if I am ready to keep something, I know I am not if I have to. Furthermore, you are in a forum where nobody knows who you are. Nobody knows of your state of mentality, or your physical capabilities, or your financial situation.

>>

>>Most individuals in here do try to deterr people from obtaining the animals because of these reasons.

>>

>>However, I have seen in the past how some people prefer to "deter" the prospective keeper, and I did not approve of their methods. Recently, I haven't really seen any problems, but I used to see it in here about a year ago and it really angered me.

>>

>>Some even went into how the young kid was spelling and such.- this to me is simply wrong. Not everyone was able to attend a "private" school that their mommy's and daddy's paid extra for.- EASE OFF!

>>

>>However, if you have never even held a non-venomous snake, in my sincere opinion that you have NO business with a venomous snake. But you would be surprised how many people would attempt it. As for complexity of keeping, I can't comment as I have stated before, I have no experience with hots (unfortunately). However, the fact that these animals can kill you with a single bite, is certainly not something to take lightly.

>>

>>I could go on a little more, but I am at work so better act like I am doing something. I can add to this later.

>>

>>Best Wishes,

>>

>>Chris
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Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, IL

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