As luck would have it, I caught the pet shop owner today when she was taking care of the animals (they're closed on Sundays). I explained what happened and she immediately agreed to work with me. She did feel that the clerk thought I knew more than I did (How, I'll never know. If someone asks if you have a book on snakes as well as what type of housing they need, they are CLEARLY new to snakes) and that he's not the type to intentionally lie to someone. I'm still bothered by the fact that he recommended the Burm to us as a first snake. When I see him again, I'll say something good naturedly but pointedly about NEVER recommending a Burm as a first snake, no matter how docile he is as a 5 month-old. The owner said she'd swap snakes, give me a store credit, order a Corn - whatever I want her to do. Told her I'd bring him back tomorrow morninng (wasn't planning on catching her this afternoon so didn't have him with me).

They have a year-old male California King. Didn't mind being handled but definitely an escape artist. They realized that he was out when they went to show him to me. Luckily, the escapee was caught while still in the reptile room. What can you guys tell me about these guys? My understanding is that the males will go 3-5 feet. This one looked to be about 2 1/2 to 3 feet. Gorgeous markings - black with yellow. She also has a couple of baby Balls.

Thanks for all of your help. I've learned more in 24 hours than I have in the last 6 months. Time to go research the Kings.

Melissa