Reptile & Amphibian Forums

along with Moses when the coach from last year, who was watching small children for after care, asked if I would show my snake to some of the kids. I try to take him out as much as possible. The kids really learn allot and it helps me keep junior used to being around people. A few kids turned into about 35 so I had them all stay on one side while I went over the ground rules. I answered a crap load of question and it was time for 4 at a time to come around and pet him. I had his first 2 feet in my hands as they explored the last 3 feet and everything was going smooth. Then the after care coordinator came out and said I should not be allowing the children to be near the snake because it was to much of a liability but if I wanted I could schedule a time to come by during class. I already received permission from the school director but instead of informing her on that I asked if the liability would no longer be an issue once inside the school. If so what was the difference between inside or outside. As she stumbled on her words the providers removed the kids (now complaining that it wasn't fair) from the area. I told the woman that just because she was afraid of the snake did not mean she needed to instill fear into the children who could still learn rather than be taught to hate or dislike. Of course she said she wasn't afraid. Regardless, the provider who asked me to show the snake is the school directors daughter so I'll be back at the next soccer game. Thanx for listenin!

DZ

I give 100's of presentations each year and having done this for years and now running a nationally recognized wildlife center/sanctuary, I will say that any time we are taking snakes out into the public, it must be done in the proper venue. An impromptu snake talk (as this one sounds like) at a soccer field is probably not an appropriate avenue. Instead, you should meet with teh coordinator/principal and set up a time that is designated for you to educate the children. Were all of the parents aware that their children were going to be around a burmese python? If not, the school is very liable and could have been sued....that also goes with you. Most schools will no longer allow people to present reptiles unless they have proof of insurance (usually a minimum of $1 million!). In fact, if you don't have insurance, I wouldn't even recommend taking your snake into an educational forum as you could lose everything if something bad happens (one of those worse case scenarios). Now I admire your willingness to share your pet with kids as that is the best way to break down barriers, but you just need to approach it in a way where everyone is on the same page.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest, IL

I took my small collection of snakes to my daughters school last year with permission from the school and everyone had a great time..even the teachers that didnt like snakes seemed to learn from the experience...its very frustrating when people view snakes as deadly and dangerous animals when infact most arent..
Do you suppose they would be all freaked out had the snake been a dog??? I have australian shepherd dog that i know could cause severe injury to a child...but i would be willing to bet that the school would not be worried about her..after all she has four legs and fur and appears very friendly....that makes all the difference right??? People have watched to many movies in my opinion...

Jason

I live right across the street from a school, and when I open my garage to clean the cages I can't keep the kids away!

Now I only have one big snake, but I do have a few around 7-9' and the kids love them! I have had parents come and knock on the door and ask if I could show their other kids the snaks. Most the time it's cool and I do. Now I only let them pet my big burm cause I've had her for years(all her life she was only 5 weeks old when I got her) and I trust her (I'll still keep a hand near her head just in case).Most the time every one haves fun, but I do here some of the parents talk and I have had one lady call the cops. She was saying I shouldn't have the snake this close to a school and that kind of stuff. The cops were cool and told her to leave, and that I do have a wildlife permit so I was aloud to have them. Now they did ask me to ask the kids parents if it was ok with them(Most the time I did that anyway) But even one of the cops held my small albino.

Like I said most people are cool with it and some thank me, but every now and them you get that one.........

I do have insurance, although not $1,000,000. Ouch! I regularly take Moses to my kids games that are during appropriate weather seasons. Just last week I had a discussion with the school director who said as long as I keep my distance (In case someone is afraid) and people come to me it is OK. Last year I went in for a show & tell type scenario. Not trying to be a smart a-- but none of those kids needed prior parental approval. I appreciate the advice though on the caution.

When anyone else is around my wife and I make sure no one can come up from behind and we keep strict control on who and how they come up to touch him.

The "What if he was a dog!" was right on the marc man!

It seems most adults where I live are afraid of snakes. My wife and I go for walks where she'll have a medium sized Ball and I take the Burm. We can't walk one entire block without being swarmed by kids and parents. It's a great way to meet the neighbors (we just moved in). Any kid on the street who asks to touch him has to bring his/her parent out and make face to face contact with us for permission. As of right now I do not need a permit since there are no laws governing large serpents for my town. Once they see and experience our pets, they make comments like "OOoh, they're not slimy" & "That was an awsome experience" Some who are afraid even take their picture with him. That's when I REALLY feel we took a positive step. One guy at my neighbors house wrapped him around his shoulders (I still kept the head) and took a picture. His wife came out of the house and ripped ito him like a kid smoking crack for the first time. It was the perfect example of prejudice. Not towards me but towards the snake. She was deathly afraid so her husband should be also.

I hope none of you took this as a "screw you" response. I just wanted to clarify some concerns. If you still have more to add, by all means, hit me!

DZ

I hate to disagree, but Rob is correct. Legally speaking a parent can sue you for subjecting their child to a dangerous animal without their consent. It doesn't matter what you personally believe or the fact that dogs are realistically more dangerous. There are laws in effect in many areas prohibiting the display of potentially dangerous, non-domestic animals - that's any exotic, regardless of how tame or docile it is. The way to fight the stereotype isn't to flout the law regardless of who says it's okay (school superintendent or whatever). It doesn't mean we herpers have to like it, or that we can't fight it through appropriate channels, but the responsible keeper isn't going to take animals into a public setting without the proper permits, insurance, etc. It's a whole different ballgame when they're coming onto your property however, and I'd agree that kids & parents coming to your place is just fine.

Raven