I am by no means an avid reptile owner; all the pets I have had have been rescues or simply juveniles I've crossed paths with and brought in to fatten up over the winter. I spent a few years raising snapping turtles from egg to adolescence (momma was laying eggs in a sand pit @ a construction company I was working for... they were doomed!) and most of my childhood [gently] capturing herps: water, ribbon, and garter snakes at home (Boston) and more exotic species on vacation (including free-handing a sub-adult cottonmouth... those were brave, idiotic days).

Since I've moved to Florida, I'm up to my ears in anoles, geckos, and skinks. I've housed each for short periods. But I've now purchased a pair of garters (blue striped and red spotted) and am looking forward to having long-term reptilian companions! Though I am a bit frightened that this could be a slippery slope…