6 garters for 10 dollars in paper

[ConcinusMan]

An opinion. I think it is frankly, considering most animals are not well known as pets. Especially garter snakes, which MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KEEP.

Believe what you wish. Even before I started keeping garter snakes way back then, there were many books written on the subject. Garter snakes were a staple of herp keepers in the early days even if they aren't now. Mostly because they are widely available and do well in captivity.

Because you never had to learn by experience right? Oh wait, you just admitted "lizards where dieing and you had no idea why". Man, you shoulda gotten a dog bro!

I didn't say anything about dying and I wasn't talking about me. I only started keeping lizards (sceloporous ssp.) after it was discovered that UVA/UVB is needed. I kept them successfully for years, and bred them. However, I didn't attempt to do so until I first knew all there was to know about keeping them healthy and I was continuously reading up on them. Any snakes or lizards that died in my care didn't die from wrong husbandry. Accidents happen but neglect or improper husbandry did not happen because I researched it. Had these people done that, the snakes probably wouldn't have died. Also I had enough sense to know when a reptile isn't doing well and enough sense to release it before it gets too far gone.

The library also has books on opossum facts, you should check up on that.

Your point eludes me but I am not attempting to keep opossums now am I?

Maybe he didn't have internet? I know a ton of people who even in this day and age DO NOT have internet or access to such.

Virtually everyone in America has access to a library. Most libraries have internet, and yes, they even have books.

The kid coulda asked at the local pet shop, and been given false info. Many people trust pet shops, why would he research farther if the pet shop told him what to do? I used to do all sorts of stupid crap just because the shop told me to, including hot rocks. Man I'm a bad guy, shoulda done more research as a kid. I should have devoted a ton more time into a side hobby that wasn't my main focus at the time. I should have done so much better AS A KID.

He's a kid, let him be a kid, and learn like a kid, rather than assuming everyone is as devoted as those of us who are neck deep into the hobby.

Now you're making ridiculous excuses for them. Tell that to a judge and see if it flies. Quite frankly, the pet stores have no excuse either. Personally, I helped to get a "reptile room" type pet store shut down years ago because of their neglect and dead and dying animals. They are just as responsible as you and I. Believe it or not, if you complain, the law does care. They will shut a place down in a heartbeat if they continue to find abuse and neglect upon inspection but they won't do a damn thing if nobody complains.

And yes, you should have done the research. The very same pet stores that were giving me wrong information sold books with the right information. many of these books are available for checkout at your local library.

[Millinex]

the second I lay eyes on a possum, I am overwhelmed by intense loathing and an urge to kill it. I don't know why. I just can't stand them. This emotion overtakes all logic. I must kill it even though it makes no sense. I'll even chase it down to kill it. Fortunately for the possum, most of them are able to get to safety before I get a chance. The last possum family of 4 that crossed my yard at 2am were out in the open. They weren't so lucky. Once they are dead, I kind of feel bad about it but the next time I see one, there it is again, the urge to kill it. I have no control over it.

c. You don't understand. No harm isn't an option when I see one. It must die. I don't understand it myself. They just provoke such a deep loathing in me that just letting them go on with their business is not an option. I simply cannot stand the sight of them, and the logic to let them go on unmolested and unharmed makes perfect sense. That sense goes right out the window the second I see one face to face.

I'm getting chills and grinding my teeth just looking at pictures of a possum. I simply must bash it's skull in. (not as easy as it looks, to kill one with blunt force trauma, BTW) I don't know why I react that way. Weird huh? ...

..... If it were live and moving, in front of me it would be even worse. I wouldn't go the other direction. I'd instantly find the nearest object (rock, gun, club, whatever) and chase that sucker. If I caught up to it, I'd shoot it and/or beat it to death, and feel much exhileration and satisfaction in watching it take it's last breath.

I just found this gem. For someone who's real upset about 4 snakes dieing to a 14 year old, I am rather disgusted at the idea of a grown man killing animals for no reason at all. You know better, but you still choose to do this. If anyone should be in trouble for animal neglect/cruelty, it should be you. This is repulsive and disgusting, seek mental help ASAP.

[ConcinusMan]

Taking cheap shots only makes you look that much more petty. You will also see that I recognized and admit that it is a problem. You also insinuate that I have a choice in the matter. I have no more choice than someone who is deeply terrified of snakes. They do not choose to be that way. It just is.

And just for the record, that wouldn't be animal cruelty. Opposums are not native to my area and it's perfectly legal to kill them. In fact, it's encouraged. Also, when I kill them, I did not make them suffer and I didn't do it for pleasure. There's a big difference. I am better about it now. I did not kill the last two possums I found in my back yard. I just ran them off.

[Stefan-A]

Oops.