Do you ever take your snake out in public?

Its getting to the time of year where its around 30 degrees in my town. Ive been thinking of maybe going for a walk with my snake around a few blocks, just for something to do and to give her some fresh air. Does anyone do this regularly? What reactions do you get? The last thing I want is for people to feel uncomfortable when I come walking down the street with a snake in my hands. Let me know! Thanks!

Sometimes ill bring my 3 year old spider ball python down to our local park. I usually get some weird looks for sure! When i take one out in public im always ready to teach someone or help someone over their fear of snakes.

This comes up every so often. My response is always no. People can have very negative reactions to snakes and we as a group do not need any bad press.

On another note, many of us go to great lengths to make sure our animals do get sick or get parasites. As soon as an animal goes outside you have broken quarantine. If you have a couple animals this may not be a big deal, if you have a large collection you may have put 10's of thousands of dollars at risk.

No, this hobby industry has been under enough scrutiny over the last 10+ years, with various laws trying to prohibit snake ownership, there is no need to give non snake people more amunitation.

There is also absolutely NO benefit for the animal to be taken in a public places, the benefit is only for the owner looking for attention.

People can be educated but they have to want to being subjected to a snake in a public place is not the way to go about it.

I agree with all your replies. The most I would do is take her out in my backyard. Walking down the street or into a public area with a snake seems totally unecessary and pointless. The last thing I want is for some lady to give me crap because shes afraid of snakes or whatever.. I really cant handle the over-reaction from people like that especially when Im holding a corn snake thats less thick than my fist and the length of my arm lmao.

I take mine outside and let her slither in the grass for about an hour. She doesn't try to make a run for it or anything, and seems to enjoy the warm sun. Artificial light only gets you so far, so the real deal is a treat for them, I'm sure.

I have experience doing this. I've gone on walks and to the convienence store with ball pythons before (we're talking like 2009). I was stupid and young. HOWEVER, I understood many people don't like snakes. I trusted my snakes more than I trusted other people. If someone had an issue, I would immediately leave (it never came up but it is part of my personality and something I had considered at the time).

The experience was positive for myself and for the local public who, even those who stated they were uncomfortable around wild snakes, had a chance to become introduced to the reptiles in a safe way.

Mind you, 2009 was a different time than it is now. People weren't so easily offended or emotionally damaged.

Now, now I know better and trust the public less. If it were requested locally and people knew what would be going on, I'd do it. But aside from that, it just isn't the same as it was before, the world is different, in my opinion for the worse. I still have the personality that if my animals make someone uncomfortable (aside from a friend I am close to who trusts me), I will make them comfortable by going. But... people aren't likely to say it at the time anymore, they are unlikely to handle it well on their parts, and they brood after the fact and come to conclusions they didn't in the past.

I haven't taken any of my snakes out in public yet but I do want to take them outside for pictures soon. I think a little fresh air and sunshine are good for most critters. I'm also not very concerned about public opinion. Some folks are scared of dogs, and some don't like cats or birds, but they're still exposed to them at times. I don't believe that we have to keep our pets hidden away simply out of fear of the public's phobias or criticisms. We're entitled to enjoy our pets as we see fit as long as we're not threatening or hurting anyone. I'm more concerned about stressing out the snakes, potential parasites, and birds of prey. Those are the reasons I'm somewhat reluctant to take my snakes outside not what other people might think. Live and let live.

I took my snake out in public once. The women laughed, and the men had me arrested... :tears:

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Originally Posted by KingNoFace

Its getting to the time of year where its around 30 degrees in my town. Ive been thinking of maybe going for a walk with my snake around a few blocks, just for something to do and to give her some fresh air. Does anyone do this regularly? What reactions do you get? The last thing I want is for people to feel uncomfortable when I come walking down the street with a snake in my hands. Let me know! Thanks!

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https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...t-she-said.gif

;)

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Originally Posted by ringorock

I took my snake out in public once. The women laughed, and the men had me arrested... :tears:

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Yup, that there is funny.

I only bring my snakes into my own yard to take some pictures. I'm mainly worried about parasites and birds of prey, and dog pee in grass LOL. Stressing the snake out is another, but if the temperature is within their appropriate range, it's fine in the yard.

My biggest reason (even besides what jodan and deborah said) not to bring them into public is that public trips are usually much longer, and that is a stressful experience for a ball python. Stress worsens their immune system. Public trips would only be for our personal pleasure, and I think that is selfish.

Dogs NEED to go out and enjoy the world and exercise. Snakes do not.

I've worked with nature centers and educational outreach programs that do travel with their animals to public places (that they've been explicitly invited to, such as schools or convention centers) and I've found that so long as the public are aware that there may be live reptiles on the premises, and that they're given plenty of space to react and distance themselves if they need to, things go pretty well (much like the snakes in that regard, hah). When I've worked programs with educator snakes I've gotten mixed reactions, but usually people who don't want to be near them make themselves scarce on their own, and I've never had someone get aggressive to my face. Then again, I was working with an organization and wearing something of a uniform, so that's some security there.

A walk down the street doesn't seem too bad, so long as you're not in a very urban area. I'd avoid businesses, but open-air parks seem okay to me? If you're just sitting or standing with a snake in your hands, I can't think of any reason anyone would have to complain. If they get squicked out, there's plenty of space for them to move away to.

Edit: also I'd carry a snakebag and/or secure container to stow the snake if needed, and maybe some small info-sheets on whatever kind of snake you have, because people are always less afraid of something if they know more about it.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

Yup, that there is funny.

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At least someone liked it. Grumble grumble

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Originally Posted by Ax01

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...t-she-said.gif

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Oh that is ten times funnier coming from a female! Thanks Ax! :D

I've had either boas or pythons since 1980. Caught lots of wild snakes before then. I take mine out in my yard when temps permit but not in public. I don't put my snakes on display and even my friends don't know I have snakes. I'm not hiding nor am I ashamed of owning snakes. I just don't find the need to flaunt my snakes whether it's intentional or not. To educate the public on snakes would be a waste of ones breath. Instead of people actually listening to facts from a snake owner, they will always go back to the fiction of the press and the internet.

Unless you're doing legitimate educational presentations(taking your snake to the jiffy doesn't count), I say keep them on your property. Whether or not you take snakes outdoors at all should depend on your personal situation. I only have one neighbor who can see into my yard, and we're friendly, so my only worries are birds of prey and nosey livestock.

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...pshxzfyxeq.jpg

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I take mine outside for some photos occasionally when the weather is right, but don't leave my yard. Or sometimes they come out while I check the mail or take out some trash or something random like that.

I have taken them down the street a few times in the past, but only to a friends house a few hundred yards away. When I took them there, I always had a snake bag ready to go just in case and I tended to keep them under my shirt as best I could and didn't go flaunting them.

It sure seems there are pros and cons to this one, and we'll never all agree. But my thoughts are: if I'm not hurting the animal, or anybody else, why shouldn't I be able to take them outside sometimes?

I liked a lot of what El-ziggy had to say in this thread and agree with a lot of it. Live and let live...

I take them out into my privacy-fenced yard for a slither. My cousin just built me a pvc jungle gym for my snakes to play on, so this weekend they'll get to go to their very own "playground" for exercise and fresh air. I sure hope it works well.

The less my neighbors know, the better off we'll all be.

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Originally Posted by KingNoFace

Its getting to the time of year where its around 30 degrees in my town. Ive been thinking of maybe going for a walk with my snake around a few blocks, just for something to do and to give her some fresh air. Does anyone do this regularly? What reactions do you get? The last thing I want is for people to feel uncomfortable when I come walking down the street with a snake in my hands. Let me know! Thanks!

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Snake safety first. Make sure it's allowed where you live to take the snake in public. Because you always might meet an idiot or ignorant person who might call the police or someone claiming that his or her kids are in danger even if the snake was a ball python. There are snake haters, don't give them a chance.

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Originally Posted by DLena

I take them out into my privacy-fenced yard for a slither. My cousin just built me a pvc jungle gym for my snakes to play on, so this weekend they'll get to go to their very own "playground" for exercise and fresh air. I sure hope it works well.

The less my neighbors know, the better off we'll all be.

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That's a cool idea! I'm sure they'll love their private "playground".

Some people are afraid of snakes. So what? Some people are afraid of dogs too, but I've never seen people worried they can't take their dogs outside. I've even run into people whose dogs were clearly poorly under control and been told by the people to stay away because the dog might try to bite. THESE guys can take their animals out which are far more likely to harm and far more capable of inflicting serious hurt. Not to mention that you can technically be scared of literally anything. Hey, maybe I'll decide I'm scared of people that look a certain way, or a certain kind of car, or scared of bicycles, or anyone wearing a T-shirt with a certain picture on it. Does that give me the right to ban all these things from the outside world? Probably not. We all should be entitled to our freedoms, so long as we do not harm others.

People may say that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I tend to believe that informed opinions are much more valid than opinions based on ignorance. We recently had a friend come to our house who didn't know I'd recently acquired a snake (she did know we had lizards and a bird). Starting out, she said that if she'd known she may not have been willing to come over. Her daughter wanted to see it, and the mom stayed about 25 feet away, about as far as possible indoors. But by the end of the visit she had come to understand that the snake was harmless and she touched it several times and commented that its skin "felt nice". We didn't force it on her, we just acted to educate and demonstrate (mainly to the daughter) and when she saw her fascination and approached the situation with a more open mind she realized it was just an animal like any other. They took a picture of her touching it to put on Facebook I think.

Now, that doesn't mean you should push a snake or anything else on people that don't want it. Give them the opportunity to stay away if they aren't interested. I bumped into someone who was at the park with their Ball Python a couple months ago and most people just looked from afar and he was fine with that. But if someone wanted to approach and see it up close or touch it, the opportunity was there and he was ready to answer questions, etc...

For reference, what we have is a young carpet python - almost a year old. She's roughly 3 feet long and finger-thick. I have no plans to take her sightseeing in public but I may take her to the front lawn to get some sun and let the neighborhood kids see her. They used to enjoy holding our Bearded Dragon and one of them has a pet Crested Gecko so I figure some of them will like to see a snake too. If someone asked me to take her to their house for their kids to see her or to bring her to a wildlife education event I'd be open to that too but in any of these situations I would remain in control and make sure everyone could stay at a level of exposure that was comfortable to them. I would also try to be careful about the snake's comfort and cut it short if she started behaving in a stressed manner. For instance, since she did get more handling than usual when our friends came over, I made sure to leave her strictly alone for the rest of the day and the next to make sure she would feel secure and kept an eye out for any changes in her normal behavior. Once I saw there were none, I felt free to resume normal occasional handling.

Snake rattles college graduation
http://abcnews.go.com/US/snake-rattles-college-graduation/story?id=47437752

Unfortunately we can't really compare our pets with more common ones. You can actually get a fine for public disturbance in my country and there's been cases of people just walking around with their pet snake ending up on the newspaper with article like "snake terrorize town".

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Originally Posted by Dutti

Snake safety first. Make sure it's allowed where you live to take the snake in public. Because you always might meet an idiot or ignorant person who might call the police or someone claiming that his or her kids are in danger even if the snake was a ball python. There are snake haters, don't give them a chance.

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You make some good points !

I recall in my early days being so proud of my quickly growing collection of snakies - I started to tell / brag to anyone and everyone UNTIL a couple of people reacted really negatively and it tought me a valuable lesson !

This may just be me, but I really don't put much credence in the "but someone might react badly" reasoning. It smacks of respectability politics; someone may react badly to me myself, how I present myself and broadcast my identity. I don't think encouraging ignorance by hiding our pets and hobbies away is necessarily a good thing. Some people can't be taught, that's true, but others can, and it becomes easier if they see you handling what they think is a dangerous animal comfortably and with a smile, and see your passion for these animals. I don't mean to say that I think every snake owner should make a habit of roaming the streets with their collection, running an unpaid education show, that would be absurd. But I don't think fear of social backlash should be the primary reason not to take your snake for a short walk every now and then.

Obviously the safety of the animal has to come first, we can't ignore it for the sake of our egos as owners. If a situation or setting feels too dangerous, if there's a gut feeling telling you that someone will overreact and attempt to harm your snake, then don't engage there. Trust your gut, take precautions, and if you're not comfortable with the idea then there's no reason to do it. Education and forwarning are your best friends; if it seems like it's necessary, shoot the local cops an email asking if they think it would be a safety issue to have a small, nonvenomous, tame snake handled in a local park. I don't know if it would work, I've never tried it, but it seems like a good idea to head off any unpleasant confrontations. And if they say no, don't do it, then that's that and the decision's been made for you.

I apologize if this seems a bit impassioned, but I care deeply about education and I believe that fear out of ignorance is never a good thing to let go uncorrected.

I do take my snakes out to shows for public display and handling. I do it with my local reptile group that i am a part of. We have public liability insurance as well as each member having their own performing animals liscence. The snakes are not out all day, they are kept individually in display vivariums with substrate from their vivs at home as well as their own hides and heat source. Each viv is cleaned with F10 before and after the show. The reptiles are out with 30 minute handling sessions before they go back in for a hour (or longer) cooldown. And the shows only last a day, and we rotate the animals around from each show, so a snake only goes to say two out of 10 a year. We do this only to educate people, I've had so many kids come up, really scared of snakes to then having cuddles with the Burmese. It's pretty cool to see them overcome the fear.
I wouldn't want to take one of my snakes down out in public outside of doing a event with my group. Too much could go wrong, and it only takes one person to sue if the snake ends up biting and i wouldn't be covered, or even worse some nutter to try and steal it.
However, i do sometimes take my snakes into my garden, where it is fully in my property to have some free time on the grass. Even so, they are still under strict supervision.

Edit
Forgotten mention that when the public are handling, they also use disinfectant before and after and inbetween handling the animals to reduce the risk of disease transfer between everything too

No. I've taken my ball to a couple small school educational type situations when asked to but they don't go roaming the neighborhood. Neither do my cat, ferrets, rats, fish or iguana. I don't see any pro to it, if people want to get to know snakes go to a zoo, read a book, hit the pet store. Way too many PETA types and crazies for me to risk the safety or legality of my animals.

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Originally Posted by dboeren

I bumped into someone who was at the park with their Ball Python a couple months ago and most people just looked from afar and he was fine with that. But if someone wanted to approach and see it up close or touch it, the opportunity was there and he was ready to answer questions, etc...

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I currently don't have a snake, but if I'm lucky I may be able to get one soon, but this reminded me of the first time I actually realized that people having snakes as pet was a thing. I was like 12 and my uncle called my sister and I outside and there was a group of kids mabye a few years older then us with skateboards, that's all I really noticed about the because my eyes landed on a something that was wrapped around one of the boys neck it was a snake. My sister just stared at it but I was intriged he had a snake and that was like the awesomest thing i had even seen, side note I had seen a snake once before at a camo type thing they had reptiles and stuff I only really remembered the snake from that though 😅, anyways I just thought that it was the coolest thing ever that someone could.have a snake as a pet the kid let me pet the snake and then they left. So I don't actually have a snake so I'm not really one to talk but if I had never encountered that kid who took his snake out in probably wouldn't know that snakes were an option for a pet

About a year ago I was carrying a BP around my house when my mailman showed up with a package.
"What is that?" he asked.
'A Ball Python' I replied casually.
"Python huh? Y'know those things are eating alligators in Florida..."
'Thanks...I'll remember that...'
"No, seriously they are eating all the native wildlife, and the dogs and cats-"
'This is a Ball Python, a different species, they do not-' I tried to interrupt.
"...and every now and then they kill and eat small children..." he carried on...and on...growing more and more fervent and self-righteous.

Luckily I just closed my door.
I do not think I will be bringing any of my snakes into a public place...not anytime soon...

I take my lizards out for weekly sunning. When my bp is big enough, I plan to take him out to get the mail and maybe hang outside by the porch now and then. I don't take any of them, including a friendly bearded dragon, to public outings. Not for the reason it would scare people, because my pets' safety comes first and I would care less what anyone think of them.

I also have 2 pitbull mixes at home, so I know firsthand what it is like to hear snark remarks about my dogs, how one of them would attack a customer (My dog passed her Canine Good Citizen ahead of her class) at a local Home Depot where we were welcomed with our dogs, to see owners panic and immediately pick up their small dogs upon seeing us walk by, etc.... I take DOGS who are trained, leashed and well behaved in public, and still get this backlash. Educating the ignorant by bringing an animal society looks down on is like talking to a wall. I had arguments, debates... Or simply, I walk away in silence, that still changes nothing. I find that the responsibility for anyone who wants to be enlightened about reptiles or anything else would fall on themselves. I can't imagine living in fear of something not worth being afraid of.

Lol thought I was the only one

I'm a new ball python owner and I was considering taking my BP with me on a hike. I've taken her on a "walk" with my dog and she seemed very curious and engaged. She mostly stayed on my shoulder or in my back pack. There was no public interaction and we walked for a few miles. I don't think it stressed her out since she kept her head out most of the time and readily ate her mouse afterward. What signs can I look for to see if this is too stressful? I'm not taking her to popular trails, just for a change in scenery.

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Originally Posted by ReginaThePython

I'm a new ball python owner and I was considering taking my BP with me on a hike. I've taken her on a "walk" with my dog and she seemed very curious and engaged. She mostly stayed on my shoulder or in my back pack. There was no public interaction and we walked for a few miles. I don't think it stressed her out since she kept her head out most of the time and readily ate her mouse afterward. What signs can I look for to see if this is too stressful? I'm not taking her to popular trails, just for a change in scenery.

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Not a good idea imo It’s not worth the potential risks.


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Originally Posted by ReginaThePython

I'm a new ball python owner and I was considering taking my BP with me on a hike. I've taken her on a "walk" with my dog and she seemed very curious and engaged. She mostly stayed on my shoulder or in my back pack. There was no public interaction and we walked for a few miles. I don't think it stressed her out since she kept her head out most of the time and readily ate her mouse afterward. What signs can I look for to see if this is too stressful? I'm not taking her to popular trails, just for a change in scenery.

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Not a good idea at all. There's not a single benefit for the snake. Snakes aren't social animals and will only be stressed by going on a hike.
I don't know where you hike but their could be birds of prey or other potential predators.

Also, snakes and other pets don't mix. Accidents can happen all too quickly. They may be domestic house pets, but at the core they're still animals and predators by nature. Again, literally zero benefit to the animal, only added stress.

As pet keepers it's our responsibility to put their needs above our own. And taking snakes for walks or having them out with other pets around would be for our benefit only. So in closing, no taking your snake on a hike is not a good idea.

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Originally Posted by ReginaThePython

I'm a new ball python owner and I was considering taking my BP with me on a hike. I've taken her on a "walk" with my dog and she seemed very curious and engaged. She mostly stayed on my shoulder or in my back pack. There was no public interaction and we walked for a few miles. I don't think it stressed her out since she kept her head out most of the time and readily ate her mouse afterward. What signs can I look for to see if this is too stressful? I'm not taking her to popular trails, just for a change in scenery.

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I'm mostly concerned with what you mean by "hike". In good weather (not too hot or too cool) I occasionally stroll in my privacy-fenced back yard to get some sun & fresh air for my snakes, one at a time & briefly...about 15 minutes. But I would never carry one with me while I walked my dogs or "hiked" on a public trail...stuff can happen rather quickly...like what if a stray dog attacked you or your dogs? It's very unsafe to be unable to control (or protect!) all your animals in unforeseen circumstances that can arise very quickly.

Now there's a few other concerns: sooner or later you may run across other people, & some of them will not appreciate being surprised by a snake where they don't expect to see one...there are some very phobic people around, & while it's not their fault, it's also not worth having to deal with their extreme reactions...trust me.

The biggest reason I'd say "no" is that there used to be a guy who walked around my town with his large boa on his shoulders, presumably for much the same reasons you're doing so...but snakes cannot tell you they're over-heating, & it's impossible for you to gauge their comfort, plus you might be a long ways from getting relief when you realize something is wrong. His snake died of sunstroke from him doing this...I'm serious...I found out from the vet's office. The thing is, dark colored snakes absorb more heat from the sun...then again, we're 98.6* so the snake is getting heat from our bodies too, so it really doesn't take too much to kill a snake this way, & it's massively sad. How would you feel? Please just don't do this...you will NOT know your snake is over-heated until it's too late to save his life.

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Originally Posted by KingNoFace

Its getting to the time of year where its around 30 degrees in my town. Ive been thinking of maybe going for a walk with my snake around a few blocks, just for something to do and to give her some fresh air. Does anyone do this regularly? What reactions do you get? The last thing I want is for people to feel uncomfortable when I come walking down the street with a snake in my hands. Let me know! Thanks!

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I don't think they get much out of the experience but yes I do take them out around the public. I have yet to have a negative experience and taking my big girl Rainbow out draws a croud in a positive way. People want to experience seeing and touching her. I also do this with smaller ones and have had lots of positive experiences.

With that being said, sure there is risks involved. Parasites and other health risks are involved as well as general public can have a negative view on animals of various kinds and snakes are not loved by everyone. I have learned that most will avoid the situation if they feel negative about them. You have to know your animal well also. Bites are always a risk with any wild animals. I am lucky that my animals are handled tons and are used for education program. Using good judgement is a requirement when it comes to letting others around them and you are accountable for their actions around others.

To sum up....

1. Yes it can be positive for others to experience them.
2. There are risks and education and caution are mandatory.
3. There is no quality of life experience for the snake to be out in public.
4. Check your home owners insurance and see if they cover your animal biting someone.
5. Keep an eye out on people doing stupid things to your animal. (there are some stupid people out there.)

I take mine out and will continue to do so simply because I enjoy seeing people experience them and education of others is a passion of mine.

I only go as far as my yard with my snake unless I'm moving of course. I only bring him in the yard for less than 20 mins at a time. One time it was windy and since my snake had no idea what wind was he was nervous so I brought him right back in. He did seem to enjoy the nice days outside but anymore than 20 minutes would probably be over exposure till he gets used to it, which unfortunately my snake won't because I live in Canada so I get 8 months of winter.

No, not so far. I don't want to be mobbed by little kids who get curious and excited, and a lot of people are really deathly afraid, too. I think most of all it would probably stress the snakes out.

I have brought my snakes to a private homeschooling presentation where there were not very many kids, and they were well-behaved, and the snakes I brought are used to handling.

Again, the question from ReginaThePython was about taking a snake on a hike of a few miles while walking dogs...in a back-pack or on shoulders: :O

PLEASE don't do this! Snakes HAVE DIED from sunstroke &-or being over-heated.... Remember we are 98.6* and when you add in the sun, your snake can die!

They have no way to let you know they're uncomfortable & you may be too far away (on a hike) to save them from the heat when this happens. Just don't do this.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Again, the question from ReginaThePython was about taking a snake on a hike of a few miles while walking dogs...in a back-pack or on shoulders: :O

PLEASE don't do this! Snakes HAVE DIED from sunstroke &-or being over-heated.... Remember we are 98.6* and when you add in the sun, your snake can die!

They have no way to let you know they're uncomfortable & you may be too far away (on a hike) to save them from the heat when this happens. Just don't do this.

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Agreed. Safely transporting snakes for scheduled meet and greets it educational events is one thing...when done right be the right people it can be great for our hobby.

Taking your snake for a "hike" or other "adventures" just to take them, now that's a horse of a different color. There's literally nothing to gain by doing this. Please don't do this...

I,m 34 now but when I was in high school my snakes went every ware with me even to school. Back then I didn't do any studying about snakes and just knew what i new from being that kid who would hide garter snakes in the house to scare my mom with.

I never had any problems with them getting weird outside of the house unless there were robins around then the robins would start dive bombing them and me and they would get really aggressive after that. As an adult i would say no don't do it lol.

Something will eventually stress them out and you may take a bite or 12. But if you must i would make sure to wear a hoodie or something that if things do get stressful they have a place to run before the get defensive. Just be cautious of people as well that butt head that threatens to make a belt out of your pet might get serious one day. People tend to take things waaaay to far these days.