Do you ever take your snake out in public?

[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!

[dylan815]

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.

[JodanOrNoDan]

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.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

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.

[KingNoFace]

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.

[KaijuWaifu]

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.

[Oxylepy]

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.

[EL-Ziggy]

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.

[ringorock]

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

[Ax01]

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!