I know this is an old post but I wanted to comment on it.
My wife and I just moved to Texas from the northeast around two years ago. It is UNREAL how little value people here place on the life of anything that isn't human. One of the most offensive statements we hear (in our opinion) is "Oh it's JUST a (insert animal here)". Yeah, and you're JUST a human. We all live, breathe, and bleed. We hear that statement FAR too often here. People here even treat their dogs like disposable items. It's sickening, really.
Our dogs are our lives. I just recently got into this hobby and I fully intend to treat my snake(s) (as well as any other future reptiles) as family, just as I do our dogs. The snakes' wants and needs may be different from the dogs so the amount of time spent with them will be very different. I will love them all the same though. A good friend of mine's wife once said "They're just dogs. I don't see why you care so much." and we haven't spoken to them since, haha. Well he was a good friend, I suppose. He's more disposable to me than my animals though. To hell with that attitude.
With that being said, I am part of a Facebook group called "What kind of snake is this? Central Texas". This group has helped educate MANY. There are people posting every single day about their fear of snakes disappearing and they enjoy seeing them now. People will comment within seconds to post an ID and state whether or not the snake is venomous. If it is in fact venomous, there are MANY people on the group that will offer to come relocate the snake for free rather than it die! I know there is a Central Texas and a North Texas group. I would assume there are others for other parts of Texas but it really is a great group. It has also basically become a game for me. I never comment with an ID at the moment because false IDs are what get people hurt. Most everyone on the page is aware of that and unless they are 110% sure, they wait for someone who has a sure, positive ID before they discuss what they thought it was.
P.S. Dallas is only around 3 hours from me. I use to haul there quite a bit with the last company I drove for. There is an expo next weekend in Conroe. Not sure if it is too far for you or if you're working or not. The world is round though, maybe I'll see you around sometime! Until then!
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