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there are pictures on the front page of venomous reptiles photos section...there are a few comments, but anyone else agree these type of pictures do not belong on a reputable website...even if the snake is a venomoid, in my opinoin, they don't belong here...

>>there are pictures on the front page of venomous reptiles photos section...there are a few comments, but anyone else agree these type of pictures do not belong on a reputable website...even if the snake is a venomoid, in my opinoin, they don't belong here...

Honestly members are welcome to post pictures that are well with in TOS. We do not regulate what folks do as long as it is legal.
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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I'm the guy who posted the comments on both of her photos. I feel that it portrays many of us responsible venomous keepers in a very bad light. Non-reptile people seeing photos like that think that we're ALL like that.... I could go on and on....
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I agree. I didn't see the pictures, but even with a disclaimer (e.g. don't try this at home) it sends the wrong message!

Free handling pictures are a tool to show that venomous snakes can be just as tame as any other snake. We should learn to tolerate them to some extent. It’s like a porpoise kept in a petting pool. It’s not the greatest situation for that one porpoise, but if three million people get to pet it, or have an experience where they are sympathetic to porpoises for the rest of their lives, it has done far more good than harm. We have to forgive the showmen that get out there with the public and promote a better understanding or some smidgen of compassion for these creatures with the public at large for the good it serves us all. It does more good than harm.

Freehandling aside, the snake looks poorly cared for.

I know everyone is focused on the freehandling....I don't really care about that vs. basic husbandry. But, yes publishing it is questionable.

I would suggest everyone take a look again at the animal. Who would show off an animal in that condition, wile freehanding as a so called tame snake?

When you see someone freehandling, one or more of three things is happening.

1-the snake handler is simple taking a wild-a$$ gamble.

2-the snake has been handled and cared for for a wile and the keeper is taking measured risk to free handle.

3-the animal is a venomoid(i.e. butchered).

https://gallery.kingsnake.com/data/150748l_e6058244df204b719566e3c1b0c9ab3c-med.jpg

The condition of the snake makes number two unlikely.

I am guessing number three, but one is possible.

IMHO, the picture should not have been posted for general consumption.

This is a debate that will go on forever. For the record, I am not a proponent of free handling hots, but I am also not a proponent of people handling Large cats( cougars, lions, tigers, etc.) I do see the point about showing people that hot snakes aren't out to get people. I live in the desert SW and know a lot of people who used to kill them on the spot. It takes a lot of work to concince a person with a phobia that they are ok. I have worked for several years to get people to call me to remove, instead of taking a shotgun to them. Maybe there is a person out there who will see the pic and feel less afraid.....MAYBE