RSS
Home
So you have this Burmese python
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
This is not an article for herpetologists, although I hope that any who do read it will add comments that might prove useful to the less experienced enthusiast.
So, you've been reading the news. You've read or heard of the recent tragedy caused by an escaped and hungry Burmese python finding a two-year-old and suffocating her. You know the snake's owner might be charged, although no one is quite sure yet with what. And you're looking at your beloved pet with new eyes and thinking you may be in over your head. What to do?
First, realize that 'pet snake' is a much larger category than 'reptiles of concern'. To state what may be obvious, your corn or rat snake might bite a child, and that won't be pleasant, but small, non-venomous snakes are not truly dangerous animals. By the same token, the black racers in your back yard should still be welcome for the pest control (and beauty) they provide.
But let's say you went and got yourself an African rock python, amethystine python, Burmese python, reticulated python, green anaconda, coral snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, cottonmouth, or copperhead. If you want to keep the snake, get a license if you don't already have one. Go to the sites below for tips on handling your snake if necessary.
If you have children, never let them feed the snake or handle the snake's food. You don't want the snake to associate the children with the experience of being fed or the scent of food . Don't let children handle the snake or even count towards the number of handlers necessary for safe handling of the snake. Some adults stretch the handler-per-four feet of snake rule for convenience, which is one of those judgment calls experienced adults make, but when there's a child around all snake handling should be 'best practices' for safety.
Maybe you've been happy with your pet, but there will be a child born or adopted into your home soon. Maybe you've had a snake and child household but are rethinking that choice. So you need to find a new home. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has exotic pet amnesty days when they will take in and find a new home for any exotic - and not ask questions you may not care to answer, such as whether you ever did get that license. The next one hasn't been scheduled yet, but the calendar website is below and you can keep checking it or contact the FFWC directly.
The other option is to advertise through a herpetological society or veterinarian. You can even advertise in the newspaper. Just be sure the person who is adopting your friend knows what he or she is doing. Ask to see the prospective new owner's license. Ask questions about how much they know and the situation in which they will keep the snake. And ask for money, because requiring a new owner to pay fair market value increases the odds that you are dealing with someone who truly wants your pet and has the resources to care for it appropriately. If you feel badly about profiting off of your old friend you can donate to an animal protection group.
www.anapsid.org/handling.html
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
