My family thinks I'm crazy!

[Cobra89]

I haven't received a ton of negative feedback since I really started getting into the hobby, but I have been VERY surprised of what some people think about snakes. I never realized how terrified my friend is of snakes, I think he would have a heart attack if he were to come into physical contact with one..But he thinks they're slimy! Of all things! I never thought anyone actually thought that, and he's a quite well educated, successful individual. Some things that seemed like common sense to me about snakes were mind-blowing revelations for other people. Like people thinking a snake could just easily strangle you if it's around your neck, or worse, people who believe if a snake is around your neck, it's GOING to strangle you. Like the snake thinks "hey I'm around something guess I gotta constrict and try to eat it".

Nobody outside of the general hobby would have guessed most of these reptiles live 20+ years in captivity with proper care. Of course you all probably know the dreaded "they will only grow as large as their environment". Lots of people are amazed snakes can swim.