Snakes have a sad life in a tank...

[Navaro]

It could be worse. We could be like the rest of the population and fear snakes. Kill them when they are in our yards, and treat them with zero respect. Funnily enough with all my research, I've found Ball Python owners, and snake keepers in general to be some of the most compassionate and caring animal lovers out there.

Anyone who's ever cared for a reptile or amphibian of any kind knows, they aren't all fun and games, and its not always easy work. It's a labor of love in my opinion.

I really admire animals that command respect. I guess that's why I've always had a passion for reptiles. They aren't conditioned to love you back like say a Dog. Instead there's mutual respect. If they allow you to handle them without balling up, or without striking. That's respect, and tolerance.

At least in my opinion, that's far more rewarding than any 'conditioned' love, that's based on a need. Call me crazy I guess.