Please don't get a snake from your local pet store. Their best interest is not in the snake, it is in making as much money as possible. They often sell snakes with health problems (sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly) and then you are left with $70 (or more) and a dead snake. You can get healthy snakes from pet stores, but why take the risk? Often times breeders will have a health guarantee. Plus, they know how to take proper care of the snakes and you will end up with a healthier and happier snake. Also, a good breeder will be more than happy to answer questions you may have well after you have purchased the snake. Anyway, my two cents.