You did not specify whether you were a freshman in high school or a freshman in college, but I think since you used the word "endevour" I can assume college. That word seems to only come about when kids graduate from high school. If you are only a freshman in HS I will say your post was definitely well said and more clear than I would expect from someone with these thoughts at that age. With this in mind, I would say you have a good mind for potential conservation work like you were thinking.

The problem is the thinking of using venomoids. There really isn't any reason for it. Whether you are 14 or 18, you have many years before you should be working with venomous or once venomous snakes in this kind of atmosphere.

You definitely do not want people thinking they should appreciate snakes because you have had their means of defense and food taken away. You want people to appreciate the snakes in the area for what they are and respect them as such.

I would recommend starting out by doing programs for schools using non-venomous snakes and explain why venomous snakes are just as important. Once you develop more experience, and possibly an appreciation by the community for your efforts, you can some day move to displaying venomous snakes.

I have been doing these kinds of things for awhile. An organization I started is actually doing a program for the community this weekend. We are joining with a nature center who has put on this event before and expects a rather large turnout. People will not get to see any venomoids or any venomous snakes, with the exception of colubrids, but I will guarantee you they will leave with a deep appreciation for them...especially after we talk about contortrostatin and the new anti-HIV properties found in toad skin.

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