For Those of You Who...

[Melicious]

Take your kids outdoors or even hiking with you, what provisions do you bring for them? Carrying cases? Water? Etc. I wanted to take Ophelia (and only Ophelia for now) out to a park to let her explore under close supervision. I know that there are a few of you who are more accepting of these sorts of outing so I was hoping for some suggestions on how do you do it and how long.

Let me know.

[Jeanne]

I never take my reptiles hiking with me, I think thats asking for too many things to possibly happen, be it how other "hikers" may react to your reptile, they over heat, or you fall and they get injured in the process, I would also worry about them being exposed to pesticides and/or ticks.

However, from time to time I do take mine out in my yard. Since I am right in my own yard, there is no need to bring anything. I can easily take them right back in.

[Blu Mongoose]

It didn't happen in a park, yet I was in a public place and was badly bruised when a boa I was holding was bitten by an off lead dog that we weren't aware was around. Not saying don't do it, just be aware of your surroundings. Accidents happen. If cautious there should be no problems.

[joepythons]

I would not recomend taking your snake out in public as it could get you in some hot water.If someone is totally terrified of snakes has a heart attack you could be liable for damages.Also some cities it is illegal to have exotics in public places. Why take a chance and possibly have your snake taken away from you.What i am saying is true and has happened in a few places.Enjoy your reptile in your own yard where you can not get into any trouble .

[arajara]

People can have a heart attack from seeing a snake?

The one time I took Nala to the backyard... she was so shocked by the cool breeze that she turned around and gave me a little nip!!! I've taken her around to relatives houses from time2time and have a nice big plastic petbox that I even put a hide in so she doesn't feel all exposed.

[JLC]

I would not recomend taking your snake out in public as it could get you in some hot water.If someone is totally terrified of snakes has a heart attack you could be liable for damages.Also some cities it is illegal to have exotics in public places. Why take a chance and possibly have your snake taken away from you.What i am saying is true and has happened in a few places.Enjoy your reptile in your own yard where you can not get into any trouble .

LOL....I'm a huge worry wort and can think of all sorts of reasons why not to take my snake out to a public park or something....but giving someone a heart attack is not one of them! And it's not like something like that would actually stand up in a court of law, even if it happened. There would simply be no fault involved unless you intentionally went around throwing your snake up into old men's faces.

[4theSNAKElady]

I think I can help you with this one Mel......I have a little tikes plastic play toolbox that I modified into a carrying case for my snakes. I have holes drilled in it, plus a small, but tall water bowl glued to the bottom. i usually keep it only half-filled to prevent excess spillage. A small towel lines the bottom, so the snake may hide under it if desired, and depending on the weather/season for that time of year, i equip the carrier with a cold or heat pack. Note, the carrier is made of solid (not transparent) blue plastic,so that if a lot of people are present, or someone may be bothered by my snake's presence, then I can quick slip him back in the carrier, and no one has to see what's in there. i usually go to parks on off weekdays, so that there aren't nearly as many people.

[joepythons]

LOL....I'm a huge worry wort and can think of all sorts of reasons why not to take my snake out to a public park or something....but giving someone a heart attack is not one of them! And it's not like something like that would actually stand up in a court of law, even if it happened. There would simply be no fault involved unless you intentionally went around throwing your snake up into old men's faces.

Last year i took a baby ball python to my daughters school.I was on one side of the school when a lady on the other side of the school started screaming.Of course everyone looked to see what was going on.She ran into the school screaming that my snake was going to kill her.Now i was at least a couple hundred feet or more away but this lady swore up and down my snake was going to get her.Now i myself knew this lady was full of it but she did cause a disturbance aimed at me.Look at it this way if you will I.E people throw themselves in front of cars and sue the driver for hitting them and they win.What stops a reptile hater from hurting themselves and blaming it on you and your reptile? Think about it.Everyday people are trying to take our rights away to keep reptiles something like my example would be a ton of evidance against all of us as one.Why take a chance?

[Ninjapython]

i just take my kids outside for sometime on warm days and always stay very close

[JLC]

Last year i took a baby ball python to my daughters school.I was on one side of the school when a lady on the other side of the school started screaming.Of course everyone looked to see what was going on.She ran into the school screaming that my snake was going to kill her.Now i was at least a couple hundred feet or more away but this lady swore up and down my snake was going to get her.Now i myself knew this lady was full of it but she did cause a disturbance aimed at me.Look at it this way if you will I.E people throw themselves in front of cars and sue the driver for hitting them and they win.What stops a reptile hater from hurting themselves and blaming it on you and your reptile? Think about it.Everyday people are trying to take our rights away to keep reptiles something like my example would be a ton of evidance against all of us as one.Why take a chance?

There is a point where people are responsible for their own behavior and unreasonable fears. Should we not walk our dogs because some people out there are afraid of them?

I am NOT advocating taking snakes out in public and taunting people with them. I'm just saying that IF I happened to have a snake and some stranger decides to utterly freak out and make a fool of themselves, well that is their issue, not mine...so long as I have behaved in a reasonable and responsible manner.