I'm with you. I moved to San Diego two years ago and got interested in learning how to find rosy boas. I could have bought rosys from a breeder for MUCH less than the cost of the gas I burned learning where, when and how to find them. What I wanted most was to understand all the subtle interactions between the animal and its environment. What factors influence when a rosy will come out? Humidity? Moon phase? Barometric pressure? Are they found on level areas or inclines? Near rocks, bushes, rodent holes? When I find rosys, what are the other animlas doing? Are food animals out, predators? Now that I've earned the knowledge, a rosy boa is a proud accomplishment and a reflection of my knowledge and skill, and not just a cool think I bought. I too would really encourage people to give themselves a chance to get addicted to the hunt, and the understanding of the whole ecosystem.

Some people like to go fishing, and some people like to keep tropical aquariums. I'm a field herper, but I don't think there's anyting wrong with people who just want to buy and collect albinos. It's a totally different hobby. I don't see the attraction, but maybe to them field herping is all about wasting time, wasting money, and getting stickers in your socks.

Now that I'm good at finding rosys, I think I'll head up into the local mountains next spring and learn how to find California mountain kingsnakes. I'm clueless about those guys.

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