Taking BP out and about?

[BigByrd47119]

Hello,

I feel like I should step in here for a moment. Being a new member I don't want to offend anyone but...

I personally would not take my snake out and about. Not because I worry about inducing some mass hysteria, or because it might get stolen. The reason for me is I feel its unnecessary and can only see the snake suffering at least to some extent.

But lets think about this. Is it possible that a snake which is being handled by a responsible owner may upset some people? Sure it is! Is that a good reason not to take a snake out and about? Absolutely not!

This is like suggesting that if I take my (imaginative) pit bull for a walk, it may cause a large amount of hysteria amongst the populace. Its possible that one or two people may be upset with me walking it in public, but unlikely that anyone would completely flip out. If someone has a phobia of snakes and they see you with one they will almost always just walk the other way and recall for some time "the man at the car show with a MONSTER/KILLER snake."

The entire reason behind why I got into snakes is because when I was 13ish a neighbor of ours had his BP outside and he was taking pics of it. I of course acted like many people who are ignorant of those who keep snakes and thought what a "nasty" creature it was! At least thats what I said until he offered to let me touch it. Touching turned into petting, petting in turn became holding, and before I knew it I HAD to have a snake for a pet.

What I am getting at here is that although you may upset some people by bringing the snake with you, its unlikely that you will make someone who already dislikes snakes, dislike them even more. Most people in these situations already have their minds made up! Its more likely that you will be presented with many, many, many opportunities to educate the public. Who knows, there may even be some that you convince into wanting one of their own!

Just keep in mind (as I am sure you will) the snakes well being if you do decide to take it along with you.

Just my two cents, and once again no offense intended to anyone.

Sorry for the long post,
BigByrd47119