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Posted by Rob Carmichael on November 20, 1999 at 19:27:44:
In Reply to: my "public relations" work with snakes... posted by Matt on November 17, 1999 at 17:27:57:
As a director of a nature center that specializes in native Illinois herps (except for our gorgeous eastern indigos...thanks again Chuck!) and a few exotics, we do many, many educational "herp" talks to people all over the state of Illinois. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for EVERY responsible hobbyist, breeder to take every opportunity to dispel the many misconceptions that people have about reptiles. It is funny, like your corn snake, I have found that our little red milksnake (that has a permanent disfigurement from an accident) has been our most successful ambassadeur (in addition to our stunning eastern indigo...he is truly the star of the show). A couple of months ago we had a booth set up at the state fair. I noticed a woman with sweat pouring down her face being escorted by her husband to our booth. She has lived a life of constant fear of snakes...so much so she has spent a lot of time in the psych. ward. After about an hour and a half of looking at the snakes and myself trying to educate her on the positive attributes of these marvelous creatures, the woman took the plunge and picked up our little red milk....before long they were the best of friends. She left crying for joy and that made the terribly long weekend, hot weather, expense, travel, etc. all worth it just to see the joy on her face. This is what keeps me going and I hope to see others get involved with education.
: I am a graduating senior at San Jose State (majoring in advertising), with a HUGE passion for herps. Unfortunately, reptiles are the subjects of much notoriety. However, I have always felt that with a good Public Relations campaign, snakes (and herpers!) could be the recipients of much deserved respect and just a general better understanding within the public's "eye." Many of you know that I own three snakes (obviously an Eastern Indigo, an amel. corn, and a jungle carpet python). I treat these snakes as though they are my children. I provide them with basic essentials--food, water, and shelter. I give them love and attention and I try to provide them with the best "captive life" I can. To the Lehman, it seems as though I get nothing in return, yet in my eyes, I get the best gift of all, three beautiful, healthy, and tame snakes. The point I am trying to make is this--whenever there is an opportunity to promote my snakes (or the reptile community) in a positive light--I do so. The past week, I wrote a post explaining how my indigo and I rode on a tow-truck--I gave the driver an education! Granted, he threatened to "kill my snake if it go out while he was driving!" Stereotypes (in general) come from a lack of knowledge. Therefore, the only way to break the public's fear and misunderstanding of reptiles is to educate them.
: Tuesday I was conducting a group presentation in my school’s auditorium about the hobbies pursue. I used the time I had to share my corn snake with the class. I was amazed at the number of people who came up to me after my presentation, explaining to me how they have always wanted a snake (and much like my own upbringing, their parents wouldn’t allow them to keep it at home). People's attitudes towards snakes appear to be changing. Granted my corn is DOG tame and is not overwhelmingly large. I just felt really good after educating my class and letting them know that snakes do make wonderful pets, if you treat them with respect, love them, and provide for them as well.
: Although I am lucky enough to live in a state where it is legal to own an Eastern Indigo, it saddens me to hear that people are getting turned down for permits to own such snakes. The benefits of owning an Eastern Indigo and using the snake to educate people is a very powerful tool and one that should be taken in to consideration for all who are applying for permits. Aside from the captive breeding of Easterns, educating the public about this species is the most important aspect of owning one.
