Is it okay to going walking with your snake?

[Likeabosscd]

Before I get my snake (probably a ball python) I'd like to have as many of my questions answered. One of which being, should you take your snake with you outside? This could include going to the store or just walking around your neighborhood.

[Roman]

No, absolutely not. Think about it – there are still a lot of people who are afraid or at leat uncomfortable with reptiles and snakes in particular, so you will get into conflict with somebody about your snake more sooner than later.

The other, probably more important issue is the environment itself. There are some threads where the participants argue about half a degree more or less ambient temperature or the right amount of humidity and you want to stress your snake with increasing or decreasing temperatures within seconds (enter / leaving air conditioned rooms). There is also the matter of movements all around you which will also stress your snake – so in short, leave it in it’s enclosure when you leave your house.


Talking your snake out into your garden to get some real sunlight is no problem, but don’t take it farther than that.

[Likeabosscd]

Okay, thanks for the feedback

[EL Ziggy]

I don't take my snakes out socially either. The most I want to do is take them outside for a few pictures.

[Jim Smith]

I agree completely with the previous responses. I don't even like to see people walking around reptile shows with the snakes draped over the necks. Not to be too judgemental, but it smacks of exobitionism to me whenever I see someone with a snake or other reptile out and about in public places, unless they are in a teaching environment. Just my two cents worth.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Yup, taking your snakes out in public could very easily result in a ban, or otherwise unnecessary experiences with the law. Even if they aren't banned, a particularly fearful person could still report you and then you'd have to explain yourself. At least if you have the snake on your own property, they don't have much to bargain with against you.

Very little of the general public knows much of anything about snakes, and a good portion still unironically believe them to be some supernatural beings capable and willing to eat or harm a person on a whim. With more and more outreach and education, we're seeing that view slowly change, but for now I feel it's at least best to avoid situations with people who have no control over whether or not they interact with our animals.

Getting in touch with, or starting a herpetological society with community outreach programs could be a route you'd like to look into if you're wanting to be able to take your snakes out in a public area, without the negative connotations of just taking them to the store or park.

[StevenL]

In all of the years I've had snakes, I do take them outside but only in the privacy of my yard. Heck the majority of my neighbors never knew I had snakes and very few of my co-workers over 39 years have never known. I'm not a closet type snake owner. I just don't flaunt owning snakes. In addition, with the advent of YouTube, Facebook, and the like it is pretty tough educating people that take misinformation about snakes from the internet as the gospel.

[Scubadiver59]

I talk about mine all the time and now people question my sanity, the number of snakes I have, who will take care of them if something happens to me, etc.

Now I just get called "SnakeMan" at work, but it doesn't bother me. I just pity all the uneducated people and their narrow mindedness.

To each his own I guess...

Originally Posted by StevenL

In all of the years I've had snakes, I do take them outside but only in the privacy of my yard. Heck the majority of my neighbors never knew I had snakes and very few of my co-workers over 39 years have never known. I'm not a closet type snake owner. I just don't flaunt owning snakes. In addition, with the advent of YouTube, Facebook, and the like it is pretty tough educating people that take misinformation about snakes from the internet as the gospel.