Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I wonder how long it will be before Illinois bans all reptiles over 12"s. In regards to the posts below. It effects everyone who wants to continue enjoy Herpticulture when you either don't properly cage or handle ANY reptile let alone dangerous ones.
News Story

A "lost" pet alligator in W.Virginia prompted a similar discussion over on the tegu board. Several years ago here in MA, a gentleman lost a juvenile cobra. It was found nearly 2 months later in an elementary school. Thankfully no one was hurt, and the uproar died away quickly. MA already has relatively stringent regulations pertaining to herps. Obviously hots are illegal. The gentleman with the cobra was clueless regarding the law. Monitors require permits for ownership - which means a proposal outlining how the animals will be maintained must be submitted to Division of Fisherys and Wildlife.

Yes we should be concerned. Yes we should always advocate responsible ownership. But lets face it, given that we are far better informed as to the number of herps out there than the masses living in ignorant bliss, these incidents are relatively few and far between, and although sensational to the media, rarely involve actual injury to a human.

Too bad the media couldn't have put a humorous spin on the story indicating that they have a local lake monster, and actually provide some factual information about the animal. Putting the word out that there is a gigantic lizard that may hiss at passersby or devour wayward [bleep]zu's is a bit more grandiose I suppose.

I can't believe they [bleeped] shih tzu, shouldn't have forgotten the space I guess.