Score One for Snakes!

[Pancake's Momma]

So today my mom and I went to a local plant nursery, and since there was nice weather I decided to bring my BP, Pancake. Unfortunately, the lady who worked there happened to be downright terrified of snakes. She didn't want to be within 20 feet of me. She wasn't rude about it or anything, she was just really scared, a true ophiophobe. However, the longer my mom and I were there, the less terrified she became. She talked about her 12 year old nephew who loved snakes, and kept saying how Pancake wasn't as scary as "those little squiggly ones". While we were there some other costumers pet her and asked some questions too, including a nice man who fought in the Vietnam war. For the most part the woman who worked at the nursery kept her distance though. That is, until we were about ready to leave. The lady came up to me and asked if I could hold Pancake's head away so that she could try and touch her. I did so, and the lady cautiously came over. At first she touched Pancake like a person checking to see if a stove is cooled down enough. Then she started stroking Pancake and feeling her belly and whatnot. After this the lady was very excited and was telling her friend, "I could hear the heavenly choir singing". This was the first time she had ever touched a snake of any kind. She couldn't wait to tell her nephew and all of her friends, and seemed genuinely happy.

It's always cool watching people overcome their fear of snakes, and I though I'd share this neat story with all of you.

[richardhind1972]

It’s definitely a great moment when you get to convert someone, such a good feeling ,congratulations


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[Bogertophis]

I'm so glad that you & your snake made some new friends. But...& not to be a "wet blanket" or anything, but it's not really fair or a good idea IMO
to take your snakes to public places where people do NOT expect to see them and where it may impact their business (or their customers). While I
like nothing better than to see people overcome their fears, phobias are not something people have by choice. What would you have done if someone
actually reacted with a heart attack? Or if they tripped & got hurt in a panic to leave?

Instead of doing this by surprise, you might ask the local library or school if they'd like a brief "show & tell". My local library hosts a Saturday morning
"story-time" where a story related to a theme of the day is read to young children, then they have a maybe a guest (like me with my snakes) for a little
program, then they did crafts (that day, making snakes out of paper etc). There was no shortage of adults peeking and joining in too. If you're lucky
enough to live near a 'nature museum' that's another place too.

Also, some churches hold a Blessing of the Animals (celebration of St. Francis of Assisi)...I've been the only snake owner among large gatherings of
other animal lovers, most quite receptive to meeting a snake...but even then, I was the first one to arrive & made sure the minister was OK with it
ahead of time. I also let others approach me, not the other way around. Comically after the first year of doing this, their church bulletin made sure
to mention that "all pets, even snakes" are welcome, and the bulletin after each year's ceremony made mention of the diversity of animals that were
blessed, "even horses & snakes..." Those who knew him well said the minister got a kick out of his "bragging rights" for having met yet another snake,
LOL! And my snakes are always totally docile. But do ask first...scaring people can backfire against our "community".

[Ax01]

nice score and i'm glad all ended well.

i do agree w/ bogertophis. a controlled environment is the best way to share and handle your snake(s) in public as a true ambassador. just casually popping into a public space w/ a snake out in the open with random unknowing people can be detrimental to be detrimental to the public, your snake and you. be safe out there.

[Bogertophis]

Some people have had good experiences taking their pet snakes to a public park also, for some "chance" meet & greets, because people do take their
pets (typically dogs) there, but it's not a "sure thing": you might check local laws & ordinances before you do that, and also realize that a loose dog
may prove to be "too interested" & harm your snake (or try to?)...so it's not without risks. Also, snakes can over-heat & die from excess heat & sun
exposure...especially if you're holding them (adding your own 98.6*) so be careful about that. In my town here there was a guy who used to walk
around town along main roads with his large boa on his shoulders, loving the attention he got. He meant well, but I found out from a vet tech friend
of mine that his snake died from being accidentally over-heated. The advantage of a park (IF allowed) is that there's plenty of space where people
don't feel confronted by you...if they want to get closer, they can, and usually there's some shade too.