And never ever ever bring an animal into a store or establishment that sells food. You'd be amazed.
I once saw a woman with a large parrot in the grocery store produce aisle, leaning OVER the produce with the bird in her hand.
I'm generally not this judgmental, but that grossed me out.
Why keep a snake? Why keep any animal? Because you enjoy the animal, find something beautiful and fascinating about it, and it fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.