been doing a bit of research on this even talked to the humane society of america (laughably ignorant i might say) one question tho, how long can a python hold its breth underwter, vs an american alligator? as many of you know an alligator takes it prey and basically drowns it then stuffs it under a log till its good and "ripe" then eats it. even if its being squeezed by a constrictor it doesn't need to exhale thus rendering the main form of attack useless. it basically comes down to a breath holding contest.
also a quote from the humane society rep
"We recommend against reptiles as pets to protect public health and
safety, animal welfare, and the environment.
As you may know, reptiles carry Salmonella. In fact, reptiles and
amphibians account for about 6 percent of all cases of Salmonella in the
United States -- 74,000 cases per year. The U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention says reptiles should not be in homes with
children under five and people with weakened immune systems, who are
most susceptible. Reptiles also pose a risk of injury or even death. Two
men with experience caring for reptiles were killed by their pet pythons
in 2006.
Many people get reptiles thinking they will be low maintenance and are
overwhelmed with the care required. Animals may be kept in inadequate
conditions, abandoned to shelters, or simply let loose. Reptiles escaped
and released from the pet trade have established breeding populations in
places they are not native, such as the Burmese pythons in the
Everglades, endangering people, pets, and the local ecosystem.
Generally, reptiles are wild animals who fare best in their natural
habitat, not as pets."
my reply:
"thank you for taking the time to answer my e-mail i'm sure you are very busy, as a reptile owner i guess am a little biased on the subject, 6% seems a small fraction of total salmonella cases, however, those of us who practice proper husbandry i.e. sanitizing cages, using hand sanitizer, washing after handling anything that comes into contact with reptiles, are a vocal group among the reptile community and we teach newcomers proper ways to avoid contracting salmonella. as far as being killed by your own pets 2 instances 2 years ago seems a small number compared to those harmed my more conventional pets like dogs or other domesticated animals. i agree education is a key factor in obtaining a new pet. Reptile or not, the cost of the pet is minimal compared to the cost of maintaining the animal. I personally have spent over $300.00 in vet bills to treat a respiratory infection in a snake that cost $39.00. but when you take on an animal as a pet it becomes part of your family. i would no sooner deny my snake adequate medical care than i would any other member of my family.
As far as releasing reptiles into the wild 99% of pet reptiles come from areas where they simply cannot survive in north america, the southern tip of the florida everglades being the exception. I grew up there, and knew of many a pet lost to the local alligators, it is a shame when an invasive species becomes established. however knowing the mentality of the south florida locals if you tell them Burmese pythons taste like chicken, the problem may not end up being as bad as it otherwise could be. ..... a joke of course... something that would go a long way toward solving some of these problems is controlling the importation of these animals and to rely on local breeders to supply demand for reptile pets. most of the large chain pet stores will sell any one an animal in any condition and are responsible for the vast majority of importation of wild caught animals, where losses of 75% of the stock in transit is not uncommon and are decimating local populations of native species. Local breeders are much more knowledgeable in the care and well being of their stock and simply wont sell to a person not equipped to care for the animal. I guess I'll get off my soapbox, one last thought, just because it isn't cute and furry doesn't mean that its owner loves it any less.
thanks for listening
Mike
I hope i didn't speak out of turn or misrepresent anything in my statement. i probably could have stated things better. but i think i got my point across. what do you think?
mike
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..1 Jayne "The Hero of Canton", Ball Python
..1 Edmund Slackbladder, Mexican Kingsnake
..1 El Diablo "They haven't built a cage I can't get out of" Pueblan Milksnake
(Currently serving 25 to life in a Maryland Supermax
______________________________________________________
Me; And finally monsieur a wafer thin pinkie
El Diablo: blaggh
Me: ah sir its only 1 leetle pink one
ED: ahh, sod off! I'm full
Me: ah sir hmm? its only wafer thin?
ED: bah! i couldn't eat another thing I'm absolutely stuffed. bugger off!
Me: ah sir, sir just ...just one......?
ED: ok just one
Me just the one.
Me: voila!
Me: bon appetite!.......
)