Where have you taken your snakes?

[redshepherd]

Yes, it can be very real, and very upsetting to people.

I'm that way with spiders. I not only freak out, but also get nauseated and feel like I'm going to have a heart attack !!! Even pictures make me queasy. It has gotten a "little" better, but still...

So yes, phobias are very real and can be very uncomfortable. Hence why I'm not a fan of parading my snakes around unsuspecting people in public. I just don't think this is a good way to educate people about the hobby.

Same! And yeah, for that reason, not a fan of just parading my snakes in public just for "cool factor"/showing off, and definitely not the right way to do it if you are trying to educate people LOL.

If I look at it from the other person's point of view: I see some dude parading around a mall with two giant spiders on his hands and feeling cool about himself...

1. I think he's gross
2. I think he's an idiot.

Sure, maybe you can show a couple curious people and get a couple converted to appreciate them, but there are also the MANY who see you from afar and hate/fear it, and think more badly of snake keepers, because of you.

And... I've only brought my snakes OUT out once to show some moron who I thought was genuinely interested in snakes after we chatted for a couple weeks. I drove three of them in boxes out to meet him in our old school's parking lot. After 2 minutes of holding them with mild interest and taking a "cool factor" photo of himself with my boa, he goes, "So have you had lunch yet?"

I said yes I have, and we parted ways soon after lmao.