Got my baby in today. First snake ive ever had.

[kiiarah]

I am lucky not to have gotten any horribly judgmental responses, then again for the most part I keep to myself. I live in the desert and work at a resort, so we get snake relocation calls from guests with some regularity. The first time I helped relocate a wild king snake came about when I overheard the security tech who was attempting removal mention that all he had to work with was a rake and a fear of snakes. I was sure the poor thing was going to get hurt and knew the snake needed to be removed by hand if a rake was all that was available. Guests were gathered around as I picked him up asking if he was going to bite me. I basically told them "I hope not, but we will see." Sure enough he didn't, and I was amazed to see how docile even the wild snakes in the area are. I have made it a point since to allow guests to come up and ask questions while I am handling the wild ones and waiting to relocate them. Most people are surprised that I am even interacting with the snakes, and actually become very interested as soon as they see that many really pose no threat.

I really think it is an evolutionary/biological thing that people are predisposed to fear them. It really seems to take direct experience to see that we haven't been told the full story about them. My mom, when I told her I was getting a ball python, was horrified because I would have to feed it rodents. She was upset about the fact that they have to kill mice/rats to provide food for the snakes. I pointed out that they kill cattle and chickens to provide food for her, which pretty much ended that argument. After linking her a few impressive morph photos she couldn't help but admit that they were really stunning creatures. She drove about a half hour to come see my new baby the day after he arrived home, and even mentioned that she may make special trips out in the future to visit him. So yeah, I really think what is driving it is just ignorance. People don't realize that although some can of course be deadly, some snakes are absolute teddy bears too.

[artgecko]

OP: Welcome to the world of owning reptiles. I used to get similar reactions when I had geckos... Now that I own snakes too, I hear feedback similar to yours when I post pics of them on my FB page. Someone posted something along the lines of "All snakes should die" and of course, (and this is actually funny) "real pets have shoulders". Now, I post pics on my FB and the haters just don't comment and I'll get a few comments from those that do like to look at them.

You can also post on FB groups just for snakes, or sites like this, to get good feedback. Reptile shows, as others have said, are a lot of fun too. If you have one in your area I'd suggest going. But be prepared that you'll want to bring something home with you if you do.

You could also look into whether or not there's a local reptile group (check FB) that you can chat with or meet up with.

[deathangel579]

Thanks guys.

[onthefritz]

I get those kind of reactions all of the time. I live in middle TN and also have horses that I barrel race so most of my friends are no strangers to finding snakes in their barns or pastures looking for field mice but they're all still pretty convinced that the only good snake is a dead one. When I post pictures of my boy on fb I get comments all of the time about how gross and creepy he is. I've even had a few say that he'd make a fine pair of boots .

My mom absolutely refuses to go into the back half of my house and has sworn that she'll never house sit again as long as I have him... oh well. My ex despised him too. He says that Ludo (the BP) gave him the creeps. Makes no sense to me... its not like Ludo has thumbs to let himself out of his cage and sneak into bed with him. Get over it, or get out.

I think snakes (most reptiles really) have ridiculous reputations due to ignorant people. People dont know any better and refuse to learn. You cant fix stupid.

[Sea]

My girl is an absolute sweetheart and the first snake I've ever owned, and I'm getting some of the 'ewww creepy' comments from coworkers, to the point where I mostly don't really bring it up anymore. But, thankfully, my friends are pretty cool with her.

I've noticed similar reactions to rat owners...last guy I talked to automatically started defending his choice in pet, and I just laughed and was like, 'don't worry, man, not judging...I know the feeling, too'.

Those balls, though. Gotta watch out for them; they'll pry their cages open at night and maliciously try to come strangle you in your sleep. Also, make you sick, and bite your arm off, and eat your children, and so on and so on.

[Kamerick]

Those balls, though. Gotta watch out for them; they'll pry their cages open at night and maliciously try to come strangle you in your sleep. Also, make you sick, and bite your arm off, and eat your children, and so on and so on.

Yep, thoes ball pythons are down right deadly. Thankfully, my friends are Okay about the snake. People just assume that all snakes can either crush you to death and eat you, or kill you with their venom (or they just dislike snakes for other reasons). So many people would be less scared/ grossed out by snakes if they just knew things about them. Education is the key, but not many people really want to learn about things they hate, and you can't force them to.

[Jessimica]

Wow, what a beautiful snake! Forgive me, I'm new to morphs - what morph is this?

[deathangel579]

Pastel. Im new as well so dont feel bad lol

[deathangel579]

This pic honestly doesnt do his colors justice. Hes so much prettier in person.

[CreatureFeature]

At first I was surprised that people would react negatively, I mean they're SO cute and cool! But alas the majority of the population doesn't see it that way. At least I have a best friend who also love reptiles. At least I have BP.net :p