My uncle told me this when I was little. He lives in rural upstate ny on an 8 acre farm. I live in suburbeian Long Island NY.
I wanted to find some cool snakes to bring home, as the year beofore I found a hatchling milksnake there. He told me I can bring anyhting home I wante, but to really look at. The snake will tell me if it wants to stay free or not, and then it is my decison...
I don't bring many snakes home, I brought a very docile garter home once, and she was great. Realeased it a few months later, becuase it didnt look happy...
I hope you do the right thing 
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0.0.1 Chrysemys picta picta (Eastern Painted Turtle)
0.0.1 Teliqua gigas (Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink)
0.2.0 Eublepharis macularius (Leopard Geckos)
0.0.1 Nerodia sipedon (Northern Water Snake)
0.0.2 Rhacodactylus ciliatus (Crested Geckos)
0.0.1 Python regius (Ball Python)
?.?.? Assorted goldfish, minnows and guppies
1.0.0 Ferret
1.1.0 Cats
1.0.0 Aussie Cattle Dog/ Border Collie Mix