Taking your BP out in public

Do any of you take your BP out into the park or baseball fields, etc? Just out somewhere?

Question - why is it that in user control panel my profile picture shows my new photo, but my posts are still using my old, deleted photo?

Public, no.
Outside, sometimes.

Depends on the public? When I was younger and just kept one as a pet, I would walk around with her when I was just hanging out with friends but I don't do that anymore.
I do still bring one of my snakes with me to things like city festivals and farmers markets and some other organized events though. Me and my friends started doing this after we realized people will pay a few bucks to take pictures with our critters but it's also like nice because a lot of the time people have questions about the care of our critters and it gives a chance to educate the public. (:

I recently brought my boa to my college, but I cleared it with security AND the class before I did. While there's no specific rule that says you CAN'T have your snake out in public, the general phobia of snakes can cause people to freak out unnecessarily. If you DO wanna try and do a short outing with your snake, I would choose a place that's not too crowded and where people can see the snake from a distance and give you a wide berth if they want to.

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Originally Posted by MisterKyte

Depends on the public? When I was younger and just kept one as a pet, I would walk around with her when I was just hanging out with friends but I don't do that anymore.
I do still bring one of my snakes with me to things like city festivals and farmers markets and some other organized events though. Me and my friends started doing this after we realized people will pay a few bucks to take pictures with our critters but it's also like nice because a lot of the time people have questions about the care of our critters and it gives a chance to educate the public. (:

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I've seen people do this with pets like exotic birds, and people really gravitated to them, and I want to do this with my BP. I know that people have a love/hate relationship with snakes, so one has to be careful when showing them. When I worked at the Birmingham Zoo we would take out some of the larger snakes and sit out front on the railing and talk to the patrons about them. Of course, they were free to approach us or not, which worked much better than walking around and unexpectedly surprising people (sometimes with unpleasant results). But it was always a lot of fun, and we always got a lot of attention.

I took mine to the pet store all the time to even like petsmart and petco

I haven't taken my BP out in public yet.
I would assume that it would probably stress the snake.

Plus, although a few people might be curious, I'm sure most would be... uncomfortable (to say the least).

I took my Super Lesser out and the attention he got was crazy..He is still small so unless you look for him people miss him. but people from across parking lots where coming up to me just to see him..Around me snakes dont really create any problems.

Hi,

I don't and probably wouldn't recommend it for the reasons bfirecat gave.


dr del

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Originally Posted by Tricon7

I've seen people do this with pets like exotic birds, and people really gravitated to them, and I want to do this with my BP. I know that people have a love/hate relationship with snakes, so one has to be careful when showing them. When I worked at the Birmingham Zoo we would take out some of the larger snakes and sit out front on the railing and talk to the patrons about them. Of course, they were free to approach us or not, which worked much better than walking around and unexpectedly surprising people (sometimes with unpleasant results). But it was always a lot of fun, and we always got a lot of attention.

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Yeah, that's pretty much the way my group operated as well. Grab a blanket to sit around on and people were free to come over if they felt so inclined, no encroaching on other people's personal bubble. We even brought carriers or a tub to put the snakes in if they got over stimulated.
I'm usually rather optimistic when it comes to people meeting snakes because when they have the option to either approach or steer clear and no one is getting surprised by some punk walking around a crowd with a python around their neck, others usually seemed rather intrigued with them.
A couple of summers ago, we even had a mother and her two toddlers comes over to chitchat even though they were too freaked out to actually touch the snakes, they were really interested in hearing about them.

The only time I take my snakes outside would be for a vet visit or to be outside in my yard.

I see no reason to traipse them around town, and tbh, I feel if you do, it's for attention.

It's stressful on the snake, so why even bother.

My question is why would you want to? If you really need all the attention try walking around without pants on.

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Originally Posted by Bobbafett

The only time I take my snakes outside would be for a vet visit or to be outside in my yard.

I see no reason to traipse them around town, and tbh, I feel if you do, it's for attention.

It's stressful on the snake, so why even bother.

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It's stressful for any animal that's poorly acclimated to the outside world but I still see people walking around with dogs that will jump at passing cars and bark at other people all the time. Also, people engage in very similar activities during reptile shows and other such events yet no one is ever particularly bothered by people showing them off there? The only thing that has been changed is the venue.

I also don't think that wanting to show off an animal that you enjoy is really bad? Like there's such a stigma against wanting attention but it's a pretty natural need and I do truly believe that it can be done by a responsible owner with little to no stress on the animal itself.

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Originally Posted by MisterKyte

It's stressful for any animal that's poorly acclimated to the outside world but I still see people walking around with dogs that will jump at passing cars and bark at other people all the time.

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This is a case of poorly trained, not poorly acclimated.

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Originally Posted by MisterKyte

It's stressful for any animal that's poorly acclimated to the outside world but I still see people walking around with dogs that will jump at passing cars and bark at other people all the time. Also, people engage in very similar activities during reptile shows and other such events yet no one is ever particularly bothered by people showing them off there? The only thing that has been changed is the venue.

I also don't think that wanting to show off an animal that you enjoy is really bad? Like there's such a stigma against wanting attention but it's a pretty natural need and I do truly believe that it can be done by a responsible owner with little to no stress on the animal itself.

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Comparing a dog to a snake is like comparing apples to oranges. Dogs NEED to be socialized, taken on walks and be outside. Snakes DON'T. And how can you tell if you're snake is "acclimated to being outside".

Also, at an Expo, people KNOW there are going to be reptiles. If people dont like snakes, it's doubtful they'll go to an expo. Whereas if you're walking around with your snake, you're forcing those around you to be near to the snake. People have phobias, and you should respect that.

Here's two great quotes from another thread on this forum talking about taking snakes out in to public:

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Originally Posted by carlson

My snakes don't enjoy car rides and public places so I don't feel the need to bring mine anywhere. An besides I have enough things going on making people look at me I don't feel the need to add something else that's only purpose is to bring attention to me.

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

Indeed. Was the purpose of this exercise to relieve the boredom of the snake? Was it to socialize the snake? Was it provide some sort of mental or physical stimulation for the snake? Or was it to draw attention to the owner? People take their dogs out to socialize them, or sometimes because the dog has anxiety issues, for companionship or for a dozen reasons that have nothing to do with drawing attention to the owner. However some people DO take their dogs out in public to draw attention to themselves - and for the OP's sake I am hoping she does not share that desire to use her snake to be the center of attention. Taking a snake or a monitor out to stores or parks or flea markets does nothing good for the animal - in fact it is a stressful experience for the snake.....and comparing taking a snake into Lowes to a service dog or a kid is an apples to oranges comparison and is frankly stupid. As others have pointed out, we need less provocateurs in this hobby.........less people who feel the need to impose reptiles down the throats of people who fear them, and let's face it - the general attitude of the public towards reptiles is not favorable. Frankly when I see this type of behavior I worry - I worry that the person may be owning the snake for the wrong reasons. I see red flags whenever someone new to the hobby relates these types of stories to me. Maybe I'm wrong in this case, maybe I'm not...but this phase of behavior.......the strutting about with the animal in public places and lapping up the attention.....is many times a precursor to the next phase: this strutting act is getting less and less curious people, and I just realized that all this animal does is hide and poop - I'm going to sell it. Enjoy your snake in the privacy of your own home. Do not draw attention to yourself or this hobby (either on purpose or not) by taking that poor animal out in public. No one designated you to be the ambassador for my hobby. I am amazed that you had no idea that people were that afraid of snakes...............I do not believe that for one minute.

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Originally Posted by Bobbafett

Comparing a dog to a snake is like comparing apples to oranges. Dogs NEED to be socialized, taken on walks and be outside. Snakes DON'T. And how can you tell if you're snake is "acclimated to being outside".

Also, at an Expo, people KNOW there are going to be reptiles. If people dont like snakes, it's doubtful they'll go to an expo. Whereas if you're walking around with your snake, you're forcing those around you to be near to the snake. People have phobias, and you should respect that.

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Dogs do need to be socialized, yes, but they need to be socialized in a constructive and calm environment. Just dragging a poorly socialized, poorly acclimated dog out into the world is not the way to help them overcome their anxieties unless you happen to be a professional and know the tools that will help that animal be socially acceptable. Also apples and oranges are still fruit and BPs and dogs are still animals so the comparison is not entirely outrageous.
I also can tell if my BPs are acclimated the same way I tell in any other situation; are they balling up and shying away from touch, are they engaging in fight/flight behaviour, when I return them to their enclosures, at they showing any other stress behaviour such as restlessness and fasting. The snakes that I do find to be calm enough to go outside every great so often are as cool and collected as any other I own, they eat, they sleep, they poop and don't show any typical signs of stress after social engagements.

I'll give you the the reptile expo one, that was actually a poor comparison.
I also recognize that people have phobias and I do not force anyone to engage with my animals. I stay in a designated area and I do not beckon people over or shove the snakes in their faces, if they are inclined to, they are entirely able of either avoiding or joining me. I don't just walk through groups of strangers, I give people space. I am also respectful of other's phobias because I have experience caring for people with phobias, a cousin who was attacked by a dog at a young age, and let me tell you, no one was ever respectful of her needs. People never gave her space and when I requested that their dogs be leashed or preferably they just could a take a step aside so we could go about our activities. It was incredibly trying period of her life and I think to just pin snakes as the only group that cause other anxiety is absurd but obviously that is not the case. People should be able to show off their pets however, everyone regardless of what they own should engage in basic decency and just telling a group of people/animals that they are not allowed is unfair.

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Originally Posted by BranceM

Here's two great quotes from another thread on this forum talking about taking snakes out in to public:

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Skip always has great points.

Also I feel bad about hi-jacking this thread. Bobbafett, if you would like to continue the conversation, I believe we may want to take it into PMs.

I'm actually finding this thread to be interesting.

But in the end, it really is up to the owner if they want to bring out their pets to the public.

I would not recommend it. I can't speak for anyone else's animals, but I have witnessed Magnus become tense and stressed in my best friend's hands, and that was within scent of both me and his tank, in a controlled and familiar environment. I'd never want to subject him to more discomfort than necessary. I bring him into the backyard on nice days and will get him out to show a friend if they ask to see or handle him, but if he gets stressed I put him back so he can hide. It's more difficult to do that in public places (not impossible, but anything temporary will still provide a level of anxiety and instability for such creatures of habit).

If it's a question of education, I feel that it would depend on the temperament of the animal and whether it's a regular occurrence. For example, if a zoo has an education collection, and the snake is accustomed to be taken out in public within sight and sound of such stimulation for short periods of time, that's one thing. But most of us don't have that luxury of educating the public in an environment where people are there to see the creatures in question. Bringing a snake with none of that type of conditioning into such loud and unpredictable surroundings is stressful for the snake, the public, and potentially the handler if things take a rough turn.

Just my :2cent:.

My son's preschool asked me to bring mine in for a visit, I'm not going to let the kids touch her just a visual visit. I was quite surprised that they asked, I gave them one of her sheds and they were all for me bringing her in. Educate while they're young..

Sent from my fingertips...

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Originally Posted by Archimedes

If it's a question of education, I feel that it would depend on the temperament of the animal and whether it's a regular occurrence. For example, if a zoo has an education collection, and the snake is accustomed to be taken out in public within sight and sound of such stimulation for short periods of time, that's one thing. But most of us don't have that luxury of educating the public in an environment where people are there to see the creatures in question. Bringing a snake with none of that type of conditioning into such loud and unpredictable surroundings is stressful for the snake, the public, and potentially the handler if things take a rough turn.

Just my :2cent:.

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I might sound a lot more pretentious in my previous posts but I pretty much agree with that statement right there. I did take the time and luxury of acclimating a few of my BPs to the outside environment, and they have been none worse for wear since, and it's probably not something for every snake or every keeper but I feel if someone is particularly inclined to start the process, there's no reason why they shouldn't.
Personally, I find snakes in the barest sense of the term, trainable like most other animals it just takes more time and I think ultimately a really well socialized BP will more or less tolerate long periods handling.

I'll be taking my mellowest BP out in public Monday.
It is a planned interaction, with an opaque PVC travel habitat to minimize stress on the snake.
This will aid the gf's daughter in her presentation on a constrictor and help to open young minds to the reality that most snakes really offer little threat to us despite whatever possible genetic programming we may have.
I'm no Steve Irwin but, I will try to help end ignorance in whatever little ways I can.

People keep mentioning how it stresses the snake but i thought all BPs have a different personality. Some might get stressed and shouldnt be taken out in public. Others might be perfectly fine. Like misterkyte said, if the snake doesnt ball up or tries to run away and it doesnt stop eating then that would indicate the snake is doing just fine. You have to know your snake. Out of my small collection i have only and would only take out my big normal male out in public. So i think it all depends on the individual snake.

We rarely take snakes out in public, never for our breeders, but occasionally we have taken some subadults and backup males to educational presentations at local schools. I think if you really want to show off your snakes and educate people, that is one of the best ways. One word of caution, though. Check your state laws. I can only speak for FL laws, but in FL you need a permit for public exhibition of reptiles (it's the same one that allows us to sell them, so we have it anyway). As it was explained to me, if you have your reptile out in public in FL and you don't have the permit, you can be penalized by F&W...of course you'd have to run into an officer or have someone call and complain but I wouldn't put it outside the realm of possibility since F&W has occasionally gone out of it's way to make examples out of people over the permits.

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Originally Posted by Raven01

I'll be taking my mellowest BP out in public Monday.
It is a planned interaction, with an opaque PVC travel habitat to minimize stress on the snake.
This will aid the gf's daughter in her presentation on a constrictor and help to open young minds to the reality that most snakes really offer little threat to us despite whatever possible genetic programming we may have.
I'm no Steve Irwin but, I will try to help end ignorance in whatever little ways I can.

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This is an example of a well-planned, well-executed excursion. Planned education opportunities are one thing, walking around city streets with a python around your neck is another.

I hesitate taking my animals out in public because I'm wary of diseases. I would never take a puppy out until he'd been vaccinated and wouldn't take my reptiles around other reptiles because they have no protection at all.

Everyone spends months and a lot of effort quarantining their new animals to protect their current collection, why would you then take one out around who knows what illnesses?

You can't guarantee the health practices of other owners around you.

Personally, I wouldn't want to simply because of how others may react. They have an irrational fear. If they don't see the snake, and its suddenly in their face, I can't imagine that would go over well... Even if I have several people over, I will bring people who want to see the snakes to the room, I wont bring the snakes out to everyone just in case someone isn't interested.

If I was deathly afraid of something, I wouldn't want to stumble upon one randomly out in public.

I don't bring my snakes to public places, I have a decent sized back yard if I want to get outside shots but then the fact of everyone around me lets their cats and dogs run lose so I normally don't even like doing that. Far as draping a snake on me and going shopping no I never would and don't see a point in it the only thing your accomplishing by shopping with a snake is telling everyone in the store how much attention you want without saying a word. Shopping with a snake isn't gonna generate the magically wonderfully positive reaction that is thought off, sad fact is many are either scared of or just don't like snakes. I can how ever understand taking a snake somewhere for educational reasons, since at times like those the snakes are normally transported in least stressful way and their not flashed around like the latest piece of Swag (idk if that's spelt right)

Carlson, the mention of "swag" brings to mind the time Justin Bieber/Beiber (???) brought his pet Albino Boa with him to some award ceremony. Now that is obnoxious and frivolous and poorly thought out in one of its purest forms.

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Originally Posted by BranceM

My question is why would you want to? If you really need all the attention try walking around without pants on.

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;)

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Originally Posted by MisterKyte

Carlson, the mention of "swag" brings to mind the time Justin Bieber/Beiber (???) brought his pet Albino Boa with him to some award ceremony. Now that is obnoxious and frivolous and poorly thought out in one of its purest forms.

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The wonderful celebs and their use of snakes as an accessory. Like I said all it does is scream look at me! If you feel like your not getting enough attention from people then you get your swag on right? To me it comes down too does my snake enjoy being out in public, doesn't seem like it. An it's not the good shining beacon of great ownership people tend it too be even if they do it to try and show the world snakes are great.

No and don't plan too. From what I have heard of mites hitchhiking from shows and sick animals why take the risk to one of mine. After all its a animal how it behaves in one environment does not mean it will act the same in another again not worth the risk.

I brought mine to my sons birthday party at a nature perserve.
We paid a turtle rescue lady to bring in some turtles and tell them abit but after 10 minutes a bunch of little kids got bored of them.
The nature center had a normal cornsnake as their mascot so i thought i could bring something with some color.
The kids loved him, especially the little girls.
Even got some dads asking a million questions and 1 dad seemed like he would be into getting one.
My BP was the sweetest guy that day, didn't ball up or freak out, hiss or anything a real trooper for being a little guy.

Nothing wrong with taking any reptiles out in public IMO. Unless it is illegal in your area. If you want to then do it. Don't listen to anyone on here who tells you otherwise. It is your decision to make, not anyone else’s.

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Originally Posted by MisterKyte

Carlson, the mention of "swag" brings to mind the time Justin Bieber/Beiber (???) brought his pet Albino Boa with him to some award ceremony.

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I seriously doubt that snake was actually his. I bet he borrowed it from Brittany Spears. :D

I sometimes wrap mine around my neck while I take my dog for a walk, or my friend will carry him or something to that effect. A little bit of sun helps anyways.

Bad idea.. Unless its prearranged thing at a show/expo/pet store. There are far too many people out there with a fear of snakes who would love to just call the cops on you.

I take mine into the yard occasionally (back yard) in the summer but my neighbors are all snake tolerant with me. I'm actually worried that one of the houses next door is in foreclosure. I will be talking to any agents I see there about telling any new prospects looking to buy that I have reptiles, and myself and neighbors all have barking dogs. There are about 7-8 dogs on my block alone.

I'd never risk the problems that can come about by taking my snake off my property unless its to a vet.

I did however, take my bearded dragon to a friends house once. He was harnessed and sat on my shoulder for the ride. They are a little less intimidating but I still wouldn't take him into any business. If people can't legally take other pets into most stores or restaurants unless its an actual service animal, what makes reptiles the exception??

I don't think I'd ever take mine out in public, to be honest. I'd rather not have people freaking out and running. I've only taken her outside once. The other day I got curious about what she looked like in natural sunlight. I took her out for a couple minutes, since it was actually starting to get warm outside. Found out she's A LOT brighter than she appears indoors in our lighting. I was amazed! haha I thought she was gorgeous indoors, but after that I was just like "Wow! Baby girl, you are BEAUTIFUL!" and gave her a little hand hug. :P Yeah, I talk to my snake. Don't judge. :cool:

Bieber did own that snake and auctioned it for charity. It was then donated to a zoo.

I personally do not take my snakes out in public but certainly do not care if someone else does. I don't care if they want the attention for themselves or just like taking their snake with them like so many people take their other fury pets.

I think worrying about how others feel at a certain point becomes ridiculous. The world is constantly adding to the list of what is politically correct. We have to worry about a persons feeling about to many things that does nothing to ever effect them directly in any way. How seeing a snake around a persons neck can bring fear or some other emotion to such a degree that the owner is in the wrong for having a pet in public is not the owners fault.

Sure bringing a dangerous pet out or invading peoples personal space with any animal is wrong. But if the pet owner is responsible they should be able to take their snake where they want.

If I wanted to carry a snake around I would like to have the right just like I enjoy taking my dog with me to certain places. But it seems no matter where I go someone will not like her size or look. Even at the dog park:O. Just because my choice of pet is a big wrinkly, snoring, drooling, monster she is given dirty looks and I have even had people take their dog and leave. She plays well with other but people get scared and act like I should not be there.

Just because they have a fear of my dogs "look" does not mean I should not be able to visit a dog park, beach, or dog friendly place. I think this should also go for snakes and all pets for that matter.

When do other peoples feelings and life choices mean more than mine?

If you want to take your snake out, go for it! I've taken Salem out quite often, he's a wonderful snake that is super friendly with people, and hardly headshy. A lot of people come up to me and ask about him, want to interact with him, and overall just love to see him when I take him to the park. I do agree, do not take them in enclosed spaces such as grocery stores or busses and stuff, but feel free to expose him to the outside world. Socializing animals is a great way to educate the public and make the animals more friendly overall, though it will cause some stress at first. Remember the signs that your animal is stressing out, and as long as he doesn't exhibit any signs I'd say you're good to go.

Just keep in mind that there are people who are undeniably afraid of snakes and will threaten them or you about it, don't be alarmed and don't give them the satisfaction of knowing they brought you down. Allow people to come to you, and keep it only visible enough that he's not cramped, but that people don't see him and get spooked.

ALWAYS be mindful of your surroundings. NEVER take your snake into a forested or wooded area. My friend had his corn snake snatched up by a bird of some sort and he didn't even look away for a second. NEVER let your animal roam, it's too easy to get distracted and something happens. Keep your hands on him at all times, remember there is no leash for snakes! Well.. that's an interesting idea. -To the inventing table!-