True! Though in most instances keeping an animal is wholly unnecessary. I do think there is a more basic level to herping, though, that doesn't even approach keeping. I have always, since I was young, found wrangling the animal (frog, turtle, snake, etc.) to be part of the experience. I generally observe it momentarily and release it unharmed. It has seemed to me an organic way to interact with nature, and though I entirely respect the 'hands-off' philosophy, I also see how this kind of visceral interaction leads to a more intimate understanding of the animal and to developing a skill that has ultimately benefitted many snakes (e.g. when I save them from being murdered by a neighbor and instead relocate them).