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I agree Bob, it seems like a lot of the herp community views this as "throwing the big 5 under the bus" but I don't really see it like that. If ANYTHING, the ignorance of a few large constrictor keepers is going to screw the rest of us. Everytime something like this happens, the WHOLE herp community's head goes on the chopping block....not just the big 5 owners. They might be going under the bus...but they are dragging us with them by our collars. As Ben pointed out earlier in this blog, it is our (the Herp Community as a whole) fault that this problem still exists. We have failed to police our own ranks and many of the large constrictor breeders became much more motivated by money rather than logic and responsibility to their fellow humans (herpers and non-herpers). It's one thing when the owner of a big snake gets killed, but innocent bystanders dying is totally unacceptable by my standards.

I live in Florida, where they have passed some legislation...but IMO, it's not enough. It's too easy to get around. A snake doesn't have to be microchipped until it's 2'' in diameter (someone correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not sure that's the correct measurement). How many snakes are sold prior to this and then fall of the grid? It's like the 4'' turtle rule....just a hoop to jump through rather than a legitimate law that actually accomplishes something.

I mean, I have a 2 year old woma female (around 3-3.5 ft) that seems to think I am a prey item.....she coils me everytime she has the opportunity, and with the intent to kill. She will turn my hand blue in a matter of 30 seconds...and I have a difficult time getting her off and I'm not a small person (6 ft, 190 lbs). I am not looking forward to dealing with her as an adult and attempting to breed her and that whole bit....but I have moral questions about selling her....that's aside from the point though. She is 4 ft, maybe, and some of these big guys reach 18 ft easily. I really don't think people (even snake keepers) realize how powerful snakes are, especially when they are motivated.