Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm pretty new to kingsnake and have just bee browsing your forum. I am not interested in getting a hot snake, but was just wondering what attracts other people to them. Why did you decide on whatever species you have? Have you ever been bitten? I was also wondering if you handle hot snakes with your bare hands like non-venomous or if you use poles. Thanks for anyone who answers my q's. I thinks its pretty fascinating that people live with these animals.
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1 crested gecko
1 RES
1 leucistic texas ratsnake
3 bullfrogs
1 dusky conure
4 australian shepherds
3 cats

For some, the minority here, is for a fascination of the natural world and the wonders it holds. Venomous animals are a fascinating aspect of that world.
For most here it is all about the Ego and coolness factor. Look at most of the responses to questions you see here. Example being Jeremyg's response to black pine snakes below, it's all about showing everyone else they are wrong and know nothing. Unfortunately.
It really is a sad aspect of our hobby.
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It's what you learn AFTER you know it all that counts!

Terry Phillip
Curator of Reptiles
Black Hills Reptile Gardens
Rapid City, SD.

www.reptilegardens.com

I cant believe im typing this, but I couldnt agree with you more Tap, people trying to be cool represents alot of the bites that occur each year in the US I believe. The reason why people should keep hot snakes is to learn from them, not to show off.I just want to add that I am sorry for my earlier post Tap. Just something about the phrase "if you have to ask then you shouldnt" just rubbed me the wrong way, felt like I was being jumped on for asking a simple question. But anyways I shouldnt be judging people from one post off of some internet forum. And I do thank everyone that posted below for taking the time to answer my question.

Wesss,
No worries. I write that general response to that question more for the people (kids) who read but do not ask/post. It wasn't aimed directly at you per se, (even though there is no way you would have known that)
I am always afraid some little guy will be thinking the same thing and I have seen how the responses come about here and am always worried some kid will read the answers people give and make a step to big for them. So I try to generate my response with that in mind.
May I ask, so what species did you opt for?
If you don't want to answer, I don't blame you.
Regards,
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It's what you learn AFTER you know it all that counts!

Terry Phillip
Curator of Reptiles
Black Hills Reptile Gardens
Rapid City, SD.

www.reptilegardens.com

I dont really know all that much about them yet, but I really like the looks of Naja Pallida. What do you currently maintain at your park?

I echo Terry's remarks. As both a professional herp person (being a curator of a reptile zoo) and a private hobbyist, I know quite a few folks who keep venomous. Those that I associate with are very professional, knowledgeable, responsible and keep them because these people find them beautiful and fascinating. Most live fairly secretive lives much like the animals they care for. Unfortunately, many, including those on this forum, keep them for entirely the wrong reasons...the cool factor as Terry put it. It's NOT cool to own a venomous snake; it is a privilege and a HUGE responsibility that should only be undertaken by those who have a high level of maturity, knowledge, resources and a thorough understanding of what they are getting themselves into. I cringe when I see some of the questions being asked on this forum; makes me truly wonder why I don't promote the all out ban of keeping venomous by the private sector....yet, I know enough private individuals who truly know what they are doing and they shouldn't be penalized for the idiocracy of the majority who like to ruin it for the responsible folks. But, with the way laws are passing like wildfire across the U.S. it is only a matter of time before every state bans the keeping of venomous unless you are with a facility like mine and Terry's.

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

>>I'm pretty new to kingsnake and have just bee browsing your forum. I am not interested in getting a hot snake, but was just wondering what attracts other people to them. Why did you decide on whatever species you have? Have you ever been bitten? I was also wondering if you handle hot snakes with your bare hands like non-venomous or if you use poles. Thanks for anyone who answers my q's. I thinks its pretty fascinating that people live with these animals.
>>-----
>>1 crested gecko
>>1 RES
>>1 leucistic texas ratsnake
>>3 bullfrogs
>>1 dusky conure
>>4 australian shepherds
>>3 cats
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL