I agree that they probably get a bad rap... I've been reading up on some of the ETB forums. They definitely aren't recommended as pets, but are said to make one of the best display animals ever.

That said, I've read some stories from people who have made their ETBs into good pets. It's said that they're like any other animal, you just have to handle them so they get used to you. Unfortunately, handling them BEFORE they get used to you can be painful, lol.

Of course, there are other people that say it's best to just leave them alone. Much like a rock python, they can be moody... fine and docile one minute, complete terrors the next.

Everyone agrees that they aren't the monsters they're made out to be. If you move slowly, give them the respect they deserve, and provide them with the proper living environment, they can make very rewarding animals to keep.

I'm planning on adding one to my boa collection sometime in the near future