Posted by jr on September 10, 2000 at 23:10:56:
My favorite pet herp is Max, my Prairie Kingsnake. I bought him when I was 16 years old (only $20 back then) and I had a job to support him in 1982. Max is still with me today and just ate 3 thawed-out mice this afternoon. I don't know how old kingsnakes live but I guess over 20 years since Max was 30" when I got him making him at least 3 years old back then. As Max crawls in the light, you can't help notice the hints of gold reflecting off his otherwise White, Brown, and Black scales.
Max is also a good snake to hold. He doesn't try to leap or bite. Since 1983, I have joined the North Texas Herp Society and in 1996, VHS. Max and I have gone to probably over 200 shows together and have seen thousands of people. Max is always good at shows and over 2000 people have gotten to touch him or hold him. Instead of biting, Max just flickers out his red tongue tickling whoever's hand is holding him. Of course tickling people always helps them laugh away their snake fears.
Some people have told me Max is just a common Prairie Kingsnake and I should get something more exotic and rare. To me, Max is nothing common. MAX IS COOL! And I still enjoy taking him out and showing him off. He is a really nice good snake and I am glad he is still with me. Max is my #1 favorite snake.
Now submit your favorite herp and tell why.