In other words he should keep him?

__________________
Some think they can. Some wish they could. Some do.

He's turned loose now so all is well

No Jem, if Brian hadn't already let the snake loose, IMO he shouldn't have kept him either - I just think a wild animal shouldn't just be collected by anyone from the wild and placed into an alien environment, when there are plenty in captive programmes already.

Sorry Brian,. you share your beautiful pics from your cool field trips and you seem to just get lectured at.. didn't mean it like that, and didn't mean to start your cool thread. I just have strong views on picking up animals in the wild and doing what one wants with them. I think they should be left where they are (unless for some important scientific research, but that's a whole other story!!). That's just my opinion. Still, gorgeous snake and nice pics, and hope now you've set him outside he might pop by and see you sometimes.

__________________
"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

Remember though that if someone wouldn't have picked a wild animal up that nobody would have anything and we would all be doing other things. I understand your point but I see no harm in keeping an animal that is not endangered and is very common. I'm not gonna argue with you or anyone here about this since we all have our minds made up and we aren't going to change.
I wish now I wouldn't have posted those pics. I didn't know I would get lectured like a student in grade school.

Indeed! In fact I think it would be safe to say that most of our older members got started capturing wild herps! There was nothing else available. I too see nothing wrong with capturing and keeping a wild species IF it is a common, non threatened species, and you have some prior experience (and are in compliance with any laws governing the collection of such animals). For someone who is a rank beginner I would always suggest a captive bred. Wild caught herps have a variety of quirks (diseases, parasites, dietary fixations) that a keeper will have to deal with and may be too troublesome for a novice keeper to overcome.
Mind you I am talking about a private keeper collectng a specimen for themselves. I am vehemently opposed to people going out and collecting animals in the wild for commercial purposes!
Brian please continue to do so! Many of us enjoy these pictures and for some of our more urban members it may be the only chance they get to see these animals in a wild setting.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Brian...please don't stop posting your trips to the wild! I look forward to them!
I wish I could've found him...he looks so cool! Watch for him and let us know if you see him hanging around in the barn.

__________________
Some think they can. Some wish they could. Some do.

I agree with you Brian I dont see anything wrong with taking in a wild, non-threatened herp as long as youre taking good care of it and not breaking any laws, the way I see it is that your new friend there wouldve probably be hit by a car if you hadnt did anything...then were would it be? I strongly believe that WE are the intruders to these wild animals and that if you have the chance to genuinely help then you should beacuse 99 out of 100 people would have kept on driving...good job!

...And by the way please dont stop posting pics Im one of those "Urban" members Merlin mentioned...I live in Downtown Chicago and have never got a chance to see ANY herp in the wild where Im from so I really apprieciate when you share

__________________
-Ron

If Im not back in five minutes...just wait longer!
-Ace Ventura

Thanks Merlin, Gem and deltro star. I am glad you like the photos but it seems like they are creating alot of controversy.

Brian this place exists for the (polite) exchange of ideas and opinions. If something is controversial all the better because it nudges people to think, and discuss the ideas involved. That can only be good for all of us. It may spark an idea that previously had not occured to someone. Please do not take conflicting opinions as being a personal attack on you.
I will guarantee you THAT will not happen here!

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Well said, Merlin! Brian, please don't stop posting pics! I think they're wonderful, and a little controversy is good for the soul

__________________
~Juliane~