Right now my only experience working with captive snakes has been with species native to VT and in a museum/nature center setting. I'd like to begin keeping snakes of my own and to be perfectly honest don't know why I didn't start years ago. Anyway, I'd really rather not deal with a traditional chain pet store and go straight through a breeder. Do any of you have the name or contact information of a reputable breeder in the general Vermont area?
Also, unless I were to get a permit and adopt an animal confiscated from the black market, it is illegal for me to keep a native species. By far my favorite local is the Black Ratsnake -- good temper, they top off at a size I would prefer, and they are all around a cool animal which I have a fair amount of experience with. Can someone suggest a similar species found in the pet trade? For whatever reason, I don't have much interest in a traditional Cornsnake...
Anyway, if you have any thoughts let me know.
Thanks 
