BP rescue question

[O'Mathghamhna]

I developed a reputation as "the snake person," and I also do wildlife rescue and volunteer work. So word gets around. I have not paid one cent for any of the snakes in my care (thank goodness-proper husbandry costs quite a bit!), and I refuse to support the exotic snake trade because literally anyone can buy a snake, and so often they do thinking "low maintenance=no maintenance" and the snakes end up in terrible conditions, or get released, or they escape due to improper husbandry, etc etc. I see it ALL. THE. TIME. It drives me nuts!

One of my snakes was a rescue from deplorable conditions--original owner tried to sell it in its tank for $100 (yes, really) and it was in shed, with an old shed STILL in the tank, and 5 piles of feces. That tells you how often the tank got cleaned, if at all. No heat/humidity, never cleaned the water dish. The bottom was slimy and furry. Absolutely disgusting. So I told her I would take it off her hands for free to give it a good home, and now the snake is happy, clean, warm, and even her personality has improved. By the way, the girl I rescued her from?? I saw her leaving the local pet store with a large snake selection the other day. This is what I mean about the exotic snake trade.

My other two were found: one was in someone's garage, and another was on someone's front porch in the middle of autum. I even searched on craigslist and posted that I found them, with no replies.

I have never really "looked" for snakes, (5 years ago I bought one before I realized the harm the industry does) but I've found that when they find me, I make it work. I will never turn one down that needs a good home. But I also keep in mind that if I ever get too many, I need to rehome the extras with someone who will take darn good care of them. This means visiting the person's home and inspecting their enclosure, and GIVING (not selling) the snake to them with the guarantee that I will take it back if they can no longer keep it--no questions asked. Not a lot of people are willing to do this. I say this because many people come into this hobby meaning well, and then before you know it, their collection turns into a hoard. And the problem with THAT is animal hoarders don't admit they are hoarders, nor do they think there is a problem with stuffing racks full of snakes because it's "easier for them," etc.

So if you are able to give the proper habitat and care for a snake in need, absolutely! Go for it, and I thank you for doing so. Just keep it in check. Snakes are not "things" to be collected. They are not "things" that should be shoved into small containers so they don't take up space in your home--they didn't ask to be there. They aren't "things" that were born to make you money by spawning repeatedly. They are living creatures worthy of respect, and those who really care about them treat them as such, and part of this care means knowing their limits.

Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox now.