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national geographic
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by vemon on September 10, 2005
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did anyone see the show on nat. geo. last night? It made private venomous and large snake owners out to be bad guys. Did they mention that more people are killed by large dogs and guns each year than snakes. I keep many snakes at home privately and many can kill you, but if you get bit it is your own fault. Responsbility is the key. Someone can shoot you from yards away without you seeing them. It just urks me on WHO agreed with the shows point of views. I have lost respect for some well known herpers. SAD, SAD, SAD!
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RE: national geographic
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by Cro on September 10, 2005
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Cayla: There was a show on National Geographic last night called ``snakebite`` that I just missed seeing by a few minutes. Is that the one you are talking about? If so, I will watch for them to play it again. Can you tell us who the well known herpetologist were who spoke out about venomous keepers?
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: national geographic
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by cottonmouth on September 11, 2005
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I think it was JIm Harrison, but he ment it in a way that only responsible folks should be keeping these dangerous animals, not just any joe-blow. The reason so many more people die from guns and dogs is because every house hold has a gun and a dog. I don't know 1 other person in my whole town that keeps venomous..
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RE: national geographic
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by Dadee on September 11, 2005
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John, here's an excerpt from NG TV Schedule on that program: Nature's Nightmares
Snakebite! [TV-G]
Discover the deathly outcome as fangs meet flesh in this excruciating tale. Scientists and snake experts discuss the myths and realities of poisonous snakes, and victims recount their gruesome, near-death experiences.
Also airs:
Friday, September 23, 9:00P
Saturday, September 24, 12A
I don't think we get the NG channel on Basic Analog cable...can't process the idea of paying more per month just to have Digital that pixelates the picture at times...doesn't seem worth it to me.
Cheers,
Matt
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RE: national geographic
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by vemon on September 12, 2005
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The law allows you to own a dog or gun even though the death rate is high. How high would the death rate be if there were more locks on gun cases and firmer restrictions? Does the law okay the number of deaths? Just idle thoughts
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RE: national geographic
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by Nightflight99 on September 12, 2005
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I have not seen the mentioned program and cannot comment on its content. However, it is not in the least surprising that private venomous keepers are constantly in the crosshairs of legislators and media outlets alike. In fact, it is often the keepers and dealers themselves who provide all the necessary ammunition to those who are seeking to outlaw the practice of keeping potentially dangerous reptiles in private homes.
Over the past few decades, envenomations to private individuals have skyrocket, possibly somewhat proportionally with the increase in popularity and ease of availability. Rather than the select few individuals that were eager to gather knowledge about the ecology and natural history of their charges, today's typical keeper seems more concerned with craming as many dangerous animals as possible into small plastic boxes, simply as means of feeding his/her own ego in a desperate battle to fight their own inferiority complex. Many keep their venomous reptiles the same way that other people keep their salads fresh, then wonder why the general public considers them less than sane. Sadly, responsible keepers are today's exception, with the stereotypic, sensationalistic adrenaline-junkie being the rule.
It took more than three years for us to implement a permit system in this state, including countless meetings, discussions and revisions to produce a system that was not just functional, but realistic. It also included a significant of time and effort to convince some of the well-meaning, but unenlightened representatives of various agencies and organizations that were part of the Reptile & Amphibian Task Force that a reasonable permit system would be significantly better at protecting the general public than a complete ban or unreasonable permit system. Unfortunately, our opposition's greatest weapon was provided by the venomous community itself, via numerous bites all over the country, escapes and other horror scenarios that almost made their job easy.
Venomous keepers are quick to cry bloody murder when bans are passed or media reports are published that reflect a poor image of themselves, but rather than leading by example and promoting responsibility, suitable husbandry and safety protocols, many have their heads stuck in the sand and limit their activities to intracommunal online forums - at most. Taking pictures of private individuals practicing risky handling techniques with highly dangerous animals for no apparent reason does little to impress the general public, but much to feed the perceived stereotype.
Anyone who is serious about maintaining venomous herpetoculture in this country for many years to come must begin to lead by example and reflect the desired image to the general public, legislators and state agencies. Complaining about one of the countless media reports that projected the very image that the venomous community has created certainly does not seem like a productive use of time.
~TE
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RE: national geographic
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by Buzztail1 on September 12, 2005
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Excellent, well thought out and presented reply.
Thank you Thomas, I would not have been as articulate in trying to say the same thing.
Karl
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