That's the reason I love ball pythons and crested geckos. I love convincing someone who shivers at the thought of a snake to touch one. When they do, they get slightly intrigued, with more education they want to hold it, then the smiles come. And, really, who can hate a crested gecko?

First question..."Does it bite?" I love explaining where they come from, why the act the way they do, and to not be scared of all reptiles.

The biggest thing to remember when educating someone is to take it slow. You can't shove a burmese python in someones face and expect them to understand you. Most are incredibly nervous. It took me years to convince my Mom to touch one. She now appreciates their beauty from a distance.