Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm obviously being sarcastic here, but jeez, it seems like a lot of venomous horror stories are making there way into the news lately...between people shipping Naja through UPS and the ever popular snakebite followed by a frantic search for AV, it's a miracle this hobby is still legal. Just my .02.

AP

I will not be surprised in the least if at some point in the next few years that all venomous will be outlawed in the U.S. I sure hope I am wrong and even though some on this forum call me a "snooty" curator, I truly do want to see private rights of individuals (particularly the responsible ones) protected so that they can do as they wish. There are many highly responsible private individuals but it only takes one high visibility case like the debacle in Texas that can literally spell doom for private herp ownership rights. Between cobras on the loose in Texas and a plethora of other irresponsible acts of private individuals, we can only blame ourselves. Go to a venomous herp show...you'll see unscruplous vendors selling some pretty hot stuff to people who have no business in even owning a corn snake....no regulations whatsoever. These are going to be very trying times for private herp owners....glad I can run my own wildlife center and keep what I want. Rob

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

Rob,
I agree to many accidents,releases,shady hot dealers selling to anyone with a buck.
Too many idiots entering the hobby,and not buying AV.
Now the law makers have noticed the parade of fools.
They want to shut it down no grand fathering nothing
Think of all the keepers getting nearly killed in one year.
Even the guys that have never been bit are just one bite away from the rest.

ALSO Rob.
If you want to go down and read the post again I put a "?"
At the end of "another snooty curator?"
That meant it was a QUESTION not binding it to you.
ok.

-----
Bud

I agree Bud.....it really is a shame where this is going. And to think of how many good, law abiding, responsible and professional folks that are going to have their hobby ruined; really makes me sick. Of course, irregardless of how many completely irresponsible gun owners there are in this world, guns will always be legal to own...to much government as always (and I, in a sense, work for one!). Sorry I took your "snooty" reference the wrong way. Rob