Animal Planet..

[FalconPunch]

I'm not really a fan of animal planet... mostly because of the lack of herp-friendly shows. They make it seem like ALL herps are "evil dangerous creatures". I've yet to see them say anything nice about these creatures.

I understand the "Hots =/= pets", but what about those who don't really keep them as pets, but rather milk them for anti-venom? They attack these people as well-- will they not stop until we're up a creek without a paddle because we no longer have people milking the venom from snakes to make anti-venom? I kinda feel like thats EXACTLY whats going to happen. I guess it IS a thankless job. "Hey, I know you keep hots so you can milk venom from them, but we're going to attack you for keeping exotics... and saving lives of people who get bitten by snakes."

Good going, Animal Planet. Thats the smart thing to do!

As far as should we all be punished for the situation in Florida... No, I sincerely believe that only affects Florida. Its sad, I hate it, but lets face it... these TROPICAL snakes would not survive in most of the US-- hell, I was born and raised in Arkansas... it DOES get cold as hell there in the winter. Like, to the point that if you have dogs that are usually outside, you have to make sure they have fresh hay to sleep in OR bring them into the house-- they won't survive otherwise. And they certainly wouldn't last long up north... I'm barely managing that right now. It gets too cold INSIDE my home at night... I have to put a heater in the room with my snakes to make sure they stay warm enough.

ANY EXPERIENCED hot keeper will be the FIRST person to tell you that they do not consider hots to be pets. They are specimen, and are not taken lightly. (There are of course very ignorant, often stupid people who are the ubiquitous exception to this rule).