| The sudden popularity of reptiles and amphibians as | | | | peculiarities to ensure it is a good fit. |
| pets, in particular exotics, has created a host of | | | | Libraries and the internet are excellent resources for |
| problems for those who want to keep them. | | | | arming yourself with necessary knowledge, but |
| Legislation regarding type, size, breeding restrictions | | | | joining a local herpetological group or society will pay |
| and cage requirements have been swiftly passed at | | | | even bigger dividends. Even if the nearest |
| many levels of government to ensure that the | | | | herpetological society is a two-hour drive from where |
| general public and local fauna are not put at risk by | | | | you live, it is worth the once a month trip to attend |
| the accidental introduction of non-indigenous species. | | | | meetings. There you will meet others who already |
| Meeting these requirements can mean unexpected | | | | have the knowledge and experience you are trying |
| expense and frustration. | | | | to acquire. Most, if not all, will be willing to spend time |
| Husbandry can be problematic for potential owners | | | | with you before or after the meeting to answer |
| as well. When one keeps a dog or cat, a general | | | | your questions and give you pointers. |
| understanding of their needs exists and people are | | | | You will benefit from the different speakers who will |
| usually prepared to meet those needs. Reptiles and | | | | be headlined at the meetings and be added to the |
| amphibians are not as easily cared for as conventional | | | | mailing list for the society to receive relevant |
| pets. For one thing they have a wide spectrum of | | | | herpetological news. Through your networking you |
| environmental needs. One may require a constant | | | | will develop friendships and associations with other |
| supply of vitamin D via exposure to sunlight, while | | | | members that can benefit you in many ways. |
| another is completely nocturnal and sun-reclusive. Not | | | | Finally, for very meager annual dues, you will be a |
| meeting these needs can result in needless suffering, | | | | member of a group of people who come from all |
| big veterinarian expenses or loss of the animal. | | | | walks of life, who all work together for the society's |
| Sustenance can pose even more of a challenge. One | | | | common cause, which is educating the public on |
| must be able to meet the dietary needs of the | | | | herpetological interests. As a co-founder of the |
| animal they plan to keep. For instance, most people | | | | Everglades Herpetological Society, I made friends |
| are not aware that snakes are carnivorous without | | | | with many well-known zoologists and other scientists, |
| exception. The cute, colorful animal at the pet store | | | | policemen, college professors, authors, professional |
| will not eat fruit or vegetables. Depending on the | | | | football players and a host of others. Our common |
| species, you will have to provide mammals, fish, | | | | interest in herpetology bridged all cultural and societal |
| other reptiles and amphibians or insects. Even if you | | | | gaps and great friendship developed. |
| opt for pre-killed frozen food, many find this a | | | | Best of all, my attendance at meetings and |
| repulsive task. | | | | associations with other members gave me a free |
| Then there are the vermin that may come with the | | | | education in the care and breeding of reptiles. As a |
| animal. Snakes are prone to mites, lizards and turtles | | | | result of my membership, in less than a decade I |
| to burrowing parasites, amphibians to fungus. Then | | | | went from being a complete novice to someone |
| there is mouth rot, rickets and eye caps, just to | | | | others sought out for expert advice on Florida |
| name a few of the scores of ailments that can | | | | reptiles and amphibians. |
| occur. | | | | The bottom line is this; if you want to have a |
| There is much to consider before choosing a reptile | | | | pleasant, successful experience with keeping reptiles |
| or amphibian as a pet. Responsible husbandry should | | | | and amphibians, know first what you are doing. To |
| start with knowing the facts before you acquire an | | | | "know", you need to be around those who have |
| animal. If you want to be happy with the creature | | | | already been where you want to be. You will find |
| you choose and provide quality care, impulse should | | | | them at your local herpetological society. Find it. Join |
| yield to knowledge. Don't just jump at the first animal | | | | it. |
| that catches your eye; research their needs and | | | | |