Old thread but... A year or so ago we were at a public park when a guy showed up with his Ball Python. It wasn't loose, he was holding it the whole time, and he wasn't pushing it on anyone either.
However, several kids (including ours and those of our friends we were with) came up to him asking for a closer look or to pet it and he was happy to let them and tried to give a little education at the same time. Overall it went very well and I didn't see anyone complaining.
It just doesn't make sense the sort of prejudice that's out there about reptiles (and snakes in particular). Yes, some people are scared of them. Other people are scared of dogs - should that mean nobody can have a dog in public? They have a much better case too, dogs are more likely to inflict serious injuries and sometimes make loud noises or aggressive movements towards little kids. While I have no problem with dogs, I've also been out walking in the neighborhood and seen a small woman struggling to control her overly-aggressive large dog that was barking loudly and acting like it wanted to attack me for passing too close to him and his owner on the sidewalk.
Reply With Quote