Should I step in?

[JLC]

Are you sure there's an animal in there? Maybe there used to be, and when it died (or graduated to a larger home or whatever) they just put the old tank out on the patio to get it out of the way?

[azak323]

you know, i had to do that exact thing last night. my neighbors asked me to buy a bp for them at the show this weekend. so i went over there last night to get my bedding back and i said, "oh let me see the little guy! i wanna see how he's doing". they didn't have a heating pad or a hide, so i told them that those were pretty much the two most important things that he needed and he HAD to have them. i went home and got an extra pad and hide and gave it to them. point is, i've had to do the same thing. I just acted really excited to see their set-up and see the new snake just for fun, but i really was concerned about how they were treating it. (not that they meant any of it, they just didn't know). but, they actually seemed really appreciative that i helped instead of thinking i was just trying to tell them that what to do. your neighbors might not take it as badly as you anticipate.

[azak323]

Are you sure there's an animal in there? Maybe there used to be, and when it died (or graduated to a larger home or whatever) they just put the old tank out on the patio to get it out of the way?

ps -- good point, lol.

[Mindibun]

The two reasons I believe there is an animal in there are: a- They have it set up on a table in the middle of the patio, as if for display or they WANT it to get some sun. and b- they still have weights on the top. If there's nothing in there, why bother balancing four weights on top of this tank, on top of a table that could be used for eating, drinking, whatever?

[azak323]

do you ever see the people on the porch? you should holler up to them and ask sometime. hehe

[Mindibun]

Not that simple. No one is ever out there when I am.

Tomorrow I'm going to go over to the main office for our complex and ask them if they can tell me what the apartment number is. I'll knock on the door and just offer "some friendly advice in passing" if they're home. If not, I'll leave a note on the door.

If nothing gets done after a while, there's always animal care and control. I'd hate for it to go to that, though.

[joepythons]

there's always animal care and control. I'd hate for it to go to that, though.

That might be a big mistake that could come back on you if you get a ignorant animal control person.I would try the note thing if you dont see anyone

[azak323]

sounds good. just be cheery . let us know how it goes!! they might end up being glad you said something.

[NightLad]

The suggestions you've already received have been great. I just wanted to add; good luck!

[dsirkle]

If you decide to step in, just make sure that you don't step in it.