I'm going to give a presentation on herpetoculture in a few weeks. What I've noticed in talking to many people over the course of many programs, is that if someone doesn't like or understand keeping reptiles, it's nearly impossible to explain to them why we do it and why it's enjoyable. I've been called crazy, strange, cruel, and even accused of being possessed!

I wanted to expand my mental repertoire and back up my presentation a bit and prepare to answer questions in the future - so please tell me, whether you keep a single gecko, a hundred snakes, or one-of-everything, what brought you into the world of keeping reptiles? How do you defend your practice? What is your favorite retort for someone who is afraid or judgmental of you? So on, so forth. Share your thoughts, and perhaps even a story about defending or sharing what you love.

Why do you herp?