Hi, all.  Just joined. Been messing with snakes for some years now, am
on a number of snake related lists.

This is a good topic, snake conservation. Here people believe the
"good snake = dead snake" bit. :(

Regards,
MB
1.1 Python regius, Pantera and Peton
1.0 Elaphe obsoleta, LittleSnake
http://buncombe.main.nc.us/~mbbweb/

Hi Roy!

I'm constantly amazed at people's attitudes towards snakes. I always
have people tell me that they shoot snakes on their property because
they don't want their kids to accidentally encounter one. What I will
NEVER understand is how people can think that shooting the snakes they
come across will get rid of ALL snakes on their property. I try to tell
them that most snake bites occur when the snake's being harassed,
threatened, etc. but they just don't get it. People really think that
snakes are monsters that are going to come after them. Yes, there are
pissy snakes out there but every animal species has pissy examples!

Thanks for your suggestions on content...that's pretty much what I was
looking for. I was trying to write up some introductory pages for the
site but I kept having writer's block! I'll be gone for the next week
but when I get back I'm going to try to get the mock-up of the site up
online for everyone here to see.

Maybe that way we could all start contributing to it.

Those are some good domain names! I was definitely thinking of
something along the lines of snakeawareness.com or .org or .net. As
long as it's something easy to remember, I think we'll be good to go.

The first couple of years I visited Animal Friends (this was in 94-96),
I thought they were pretty decent. At the time, they had a couple of
employees who were very good to their reptiles. Glad to hear they've
gotten better though. The last time I visited Animal Friends (a year or
two ago) I could tell it had gone downhill, at least in my opinion.

I remember Jerry's Perfect Pets. I can't BELIEVE it's still in
business! I hated that place with a passion. My friend bought a chinese
garter snake (or something like that) because she felt so bad for it.
She tried her best to save it but I think it had mites & everything.
She knew she shouldn't have supported them by buying it but she didn't
want to see it suffer. I remember trying to help her save the poor
thing. I went to her place to try to help it shed. I've never seen a
snake that had so many eyecaps caked onto its eye. The layer of eyecaps
was as thick as the width of a pencil lead.

I hope you do manage to shut them down. They should have been put out
of business YEARS ago.

I too love Las Cruces but unfortunately, the job market for what I do
sucks in Cruces. If I thought I could find a decent job there, I'd be
there in a heartbeat.

Anyway, to get this post back on topic...I do hope we can really make
something of this list (and website). It'll obviously take time but if
we can even get a few people to change their point of view regarding
snakes, then we've done something to help preserve them.

Stephanie

On Thursday, February 12, 2004, at 11:33 PM, Captain Howdy wrote:

> Yes, you're right, so many cruelties done to snakes,
> its amazing. That's why we started the rescue 3 years
> ago. I've been working with herps for over 30 years,
> and it seems like snakes are just getting scarcer and
> scarcer.  We've had too many horror cases with herps
> we've brought in, gets very frustrating. But, we just
> do as much as we can.
>
> As to suggestions for content for the "Snake
> Awareness" web site. I have a couple of suggestions.
> Maybe a section on Rattlesnake roundups and the
> horrible way these snakes are slaughtered. The only
> one we have here in New Mexico is in Alamogordo each
> spring, but its bad enough with the 1,000 or so that
> get killed each year. If you contact Charlie Painter
> of NM Game and Fish, he could give you good statistics
> as to how many are brought in each year, weights, sex
> of specimens, etc. as he is the one that usually
> oversees the roundup each year. I also have some info
> and photos on our web site. The URL is:
> http://www.awesomereptiles.com/kill.html
> You're welcome to use  any of the info or pictures we
> have on that page, if it will help.
>
> Also, maybe a page concerning direct education on
> snake conservation, such as presentations done to
> local school classrooms and civic groups. You could
> even make an appeal to anyone who might be interested
> in volunteering to do such presentations. If you'd
> like some helpful hints on a successful presentation,
> I'd be glad to share that with you as well. We usually
> do several dozen presentations each year.
>
> Perhaps you can gather some data, or take a poll of
> random people, finding out what percentage are afraid
> of or hate snakes, and the reasons why. Might be
> interesting reading on that subject.
>
> Definitely some stories, with pics if possible, of
> some of the tragic misfortunes of snakes you've
> rescued, such as Humper and BD. Maybe even ask
> visitors to share similar stories for that section of
> the web site. We'd be happy to contribute in any way
> we can. I've found that sharing these tragic stories
> has changed a few peoples' minds on how they feel
> towards snakes in general.
>
> I checked on a few domain name ideas, here's what I
> found was available:
>
> www.snake-awareness.com
> www.snakesarepeople too.com
> www.save-a-snake.com
> www.mystery-of-snakes.com
> www.serpent-salvation.com
>
> I don't know if any of these ideas sound good, but I
> thought I'd run them by you.
>
> I agree, I prefer not to buy snakes at pet stores
> either. We get way too many of them here anyways to
> have to buy. Animal Friends is still going strong.
> We've been working with them for nearly 2 years now.
> They have gotten MUCH better with their animals. They
> often call us for advice, and we've even treated a
> couple of ill reptiles for them. They've been working
> hard on educating themselves on the proper care of
> herps in the store, and they're being more thorough in
> their instructions to potential buyers.  Now Jerry's
> Perfect Pets in the Mesilla Valley Mall is another
> story. I've been trying to shut them down. They are
> HORRIBLE to their animals, especially their reptiles.
> NM Game and Fish has also been investigating them.
> Hopefully we can put hose butchers out of business.
>
> Yes, I'll let you know if we get in any non-hots we
> need to place. That's cool you went to school here. We
> love Las Cruces. Its been nearly 4 years now that
> we've been here. Beautiful city!
>
> Well, guess I should get some sleep. Take care
> Stephanie, and we'll talk again soon.
>

Hi Stephanie,

Yes, you're right, so many cruelties done to snakes,
its amazing. That's why we started the rescue 3 years
ago. I've been working with herps for over 30 years,
and it seems like snakes are just getting scarcer and
scarcer.  We've had too many horror cases with herps
we've brought in, gets very frustrating. But, we just
do as much as we can.

As to suggestions for content for the "Snake
Awareness" web site. I have a couple of suggestions.
Maybe a section on Rattlesnake roundups and the
horrible way these snakes are slaughtered. The only
one we have here in New Mexico is in Alamogordo each
spring, but its bad enough with the 1,000 or so that
get killed each year. If you contact Charlie Painter
of NM Game and Fish, he could give you good statistics
as to how many are brought in each year, weights, sex
of specimens, etc. as he is the one that usually
oversees the roundup each year. I also have some info
and photos on our web site. The URL is:
http://www.awesomereptiles.com/kill.html
You're welcome to use  any of the info or pictures we
have on that page, if it will help.

Also, maybe a page concerning direct education on
snake conservation, such as presentations done to
local school classrooms and civic groups. You could
even make an appeal to anyone who might be interested
in volunteering to do such presentations. If you'd
like some helpful hints on a successful presentation,
I'd be glad to share that with you as well. We usually
do several dozen presentations each year.

Perhaps you can gather some data, or take a poll of
random people, finding out what percentage are afraid
of or hate snakes, and the reasons why. Might be
interesting reading on that subject.

Definitely some stories, with pics if possible, of
some of the tragic misfortunes of snakes you've
rescued, such as Humper and BD. Maybe even ask
visitors to share similar stories for that section of
the web site. We'd be happy to contribute in any way
we can. I've found that sharing these tragic stories
has changed a few peoples' minds on how they feel
towards snakes in general.

I checked on a few domain name ideas, here's what I
found was available:

www.snake-awareness.com
www.snakesarepeople too.com
www.save-a-snake.com
www.mystery-of-snakes.com
www.serpent-salvation.com

I don't know if any of these ideas sound good, but I
thought I'd run them by you.

I agree, I prefer not to buy snakes at pet stores
either. We get way too many of them here anyways to
have to buy. Animal Friends is still going strong.
We've been working with them for nearly 2 years now.
They have gotten MUCH better with their animals. They
often call us for advice, and we've even treated a
couple of ill reptiles for them. They've been working
hard on educating themselves on the proper care of
herps in the store, and they're being more thorough in
their instructions to potential buyers.  Now Jerry's
Perfect Pets in the Mesilla Valley Mall is another
story. I've been trying to shut them down. They are
HORRIBLE to their animals, especially their reptiles.
NM Game and Fish has also been investigating them.
Hopefully we can put hose butchers out of business.

Yes, I'll let you know if we get in any non-hots we
need to place. That's cool you went to school here. We
love Las Cruces. Its been nearly 4 years now that
we've been here. Beautiful city!

Well, guess I should get some sleep. Take care
Stephanie, and we'll talk again soon.

Roy







--- stephanie macek <lebongirl@...> wrote:
> Hi Roy,
>
> I will email you back soon...I just haven't been up
> to writing long
> emails (my mom, Jan, and I had a rather bad snake
> week & since then I
> haven't been able to think of much to say).
>
> Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and that it's
> slowing you down with
> rescuing herps.
>
> Humper is truly a sweet little snake. He ALMOST
> remained at my house
> but my mom took over his care after I realized I'd
> be away for his
> first shed. Since he really can't be left alone
> while shedding, he went
> to my mom. I do miss the little guy but I have
> another "special needs"
> bull baby to keep me company. At the same time as we
> received Humper,
> we got another one that my mom named BD. It stands
> for brain damaged.
> When he was a tiny baby, someone smooshed his skull
> when they mistook
> him for a rattlesnake. He's blind in one eye and no
> longer recognizes
> food. I place defrosted pinkies or fuzzies in his
> mouth and coax him
> into eating. He can be quite stubborn but just like
> Humper, he's got an
> incredibly sweet & docile personality.
>
> Looking at him makes us wonder how people can hurt
> these animals. It
> truly is mind boggling but we know most of the
> damage is done out of
> fear and ignorance.
>
> On to a related subject...I'm trying to put together
> a Snake Awareness
> website to help my mom out. I've got the design done
> but I need content
> to go into the site. I'd like some ideas from the
> people on this list.
> Of course, I will always give credit where credit is
> due, so anyone who
> helps out will be listed on a credits page.
>
> I found a web hosting place that was offering free
> web hosting for 3
> yrs. So I have the space to put up quite a large
> site. I need to
> register a domain name but haven't done that yet.
> Any suggestions are
> definitely welcome!
>
> Roy, if you ever find non-venomous snakes in need of
> homes, my mom and
> I might be able to help. We both live in the Santa
> Fe area but I am
> usually up for a trip to Cruces. I went to college
> there, by the way!
> That's actually where I got my first snake (almost
> 10 yrs ago). My
> friends chipped in and got me a garter snake from
> Animal Friends for my
> birthday. In fact, we have a number of snakes that
> originated from that
> store (about 9-10 yrs ago). I later received a
> "hand-me-down" garter
> from a friend and an amelanistic gopher snake as
> another birthday
> present. My mom got two "hand-me-down" snakes too.
> She has a corn snake
> and cal king. All of the hand-me-downs came from a
> friend who felt
> they'd be better off with us. I also have a 10 yr
> old checkered garter
> that came from Animal Friends too.
>
> Of course, nowadays, I prefer NOT to get pets from
> pet stores but at
> the time, Animal Friends had staff who truly cared
> for the reptiles
> they sold. I don't know how they are now though.
>
> Stephanie in Santa Fe
>
>


__________________________________
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Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online.
http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html

Tom,

Thank you for the kind words. Wow, I guess I read the
posts wrong, I didn't realize it was Jon who was ill.
Maybe I need to pay more attention in the future.

I'm holding up alright, been feeling a bit better
lately. It won't be but a couple more months and we'll
be getting hit hard here again on rescues. So, I'm
resting up and hoping to be able to do enough for the
new rescue season. Yes, we do need more people in this
end of the deal. Its hard to get people interested in
it, especially to rescue and foster unwanted reptiles.
But maybe with this snake awareness proclamation we
can change that. It would sure be nice to save even
more reptiles in this world. Well, take acre, and
we'll talk again soon I'm sure.

Roy

--- Tom Lorenz <otlorenz3@...> wrote:
> Roy,
>
> I wish you well too.  It's sad that two of the new
> snake rescuing individuals that I've just met have
> to
> slow down.  There's such a dearth of people doing
> this, I guess I'll try to be more inspired and pick
> up
> the slack on my end.  Please keep us informed on how
> you're doing.  By the way, 30 is amazing, I could
> never imagine 150!!!
>
> Tom in LA
>
> --- Roy Thibodeau <capnhowdy777@...> wrote:
> > Hello everyone, just wanted to drop a line and say
> > "hi."  Tom Lorenz,
> > I wanted to extend my support and best wishes to
> > you. I know it must
> > be difficult having serious health problems. I
> > myself have recently
> > been going through some, although I don't know the
> > extent of your
> > health. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple
> > Sclerosis.  This has
> > been a deterent to me in my rescue efforts as
> well.
> > I no longer have
> > the strength to rescue and rehabilitate reptiles
> to
> > the extent I had
> > done previously. I had to "downsize" from more
> than
> > 150 animals to the
> > 30 or so I have left.  Fortunately I was able to
> > find homes for most
> > of the animals here. I still have the few, mainly
> > Rattlesnakes, as
> > they are harder to place into "proper" homes.
> > Anyway, I hope your
> > health improves, and you will be in our prayers
> here
> > in Las Cruces,
> > New Mexico. Please let me know if there is
> anything
> > I can help with,
> > even if its just an "ear" to listen.
> >      Jan, that is quite a story on "Humper" your
> > bullsnake.  I LOVE
> > your dedication.  I've had some similar
> experiences,
> > and I know how
> > great it feels to be the one person willing to
> take
> > on such a
> > challenge. Some snakes (and other reptiles) are
> just
> > not wanted by
> > anyone else. You have a wonderful heart.  This
> group
> > may be slow at
> > first to grow, but it WILL grow if we all stick
> with
> > this and work
> > together.  We here of the Las Cruces Reptile
> Rescue
> > will continue to
> > do all we can to help save our wonderful friends,
> > our reptiles.  I
> > myself appreciate so much all the terrific people
> > who have joined this
> > group and their efforts to help preserve snakes,
> and
> > educate people on
> > the worthiness of these great animals.  Concerted
> > efforts like these
> > are what bring about the needed changes to
> conserve
> > animals and our
> > other natural resources. I'm excited to be a part
> of
> > your group.
> >
> > Roy Thibodeau
> > President
> > Las Cruces Reptile Rescue
> >
> >
>
>
> =====
> Tom Lorenz
> 210 W. Robert  Apt. # 2
> Hammond, LA  70401
> (504) 429-0748
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing
> online.
> http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html
>


__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online.
http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html

Roy,

I wish you well too.  It's sad that two of the new
snake rescuing individuals that I've just met have to
slow down.  There's such a dearth of people doing
this, I guess I'll try to be more inspired and pick up
the slack on my end.  Please keep us informed on how
you're doing.  By the way, 30 is amazing, I could
never imagine 150!!!

Tom in LA

--- Roy Thibodeau <capnhowdy777@...> wrote:
> Hello everyone, just wanted to drop a line and say
> "hi."  Tom Lorenz,
> I wanted to extend my support and best wishes to
> you. I know it must
> be difficult having serious health problems. I
> myself have recently
> been going through some, although I don't know the
> extent of your
> health. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple
> Sclerosis.  This has
> been a deterent to me in my rescue efforts as well.
> I no longer have
> the strength to rescue and rehabilitate reptiles to
> the extent I had
> done previously. I had to "downsize" from more than
> 150 animals to the
> 30 or so I have left.  Fortunately I was able to
> find homes for most
> of the animals here. I still have the few, mainly
> Rattlesnakes, as
> they are harder to place into "proper" homes.
> Anyway, I hope your
> health improves, and you will be in our prayers here
> in Las Cruces,
> New Mexico. Please let me know if there is anything
> I can help with,
> even if its just an "ear" to listen.
>      Jan, that is quite a story on "Humper" your
> bullsnake.  I LOVE
> your dedication.  I've had some similar experiences,
> and I know how
> great it feels to be the one person willing to take
> on such a
> challenge. Some snakes (and other reptiles) are just
> not wanted by
> anyone else. You have a wonderful heart.  This group
> may be slow at
> first to grow, but it WILL grow if we all stick with
> this and work
> together.  We here of the Las Cruces Reptile Rescue
> will continue to
> do all we can to help save our wonderful friends,
> our reptiles.  I
> myself appreciate so much all the terrific people
> who have joined this
> group and their efforts to help preserve snakes, and
> educate people on
> the worthiness of these great animals.  Concerted
> efforts like these
> are what bring about the needed changes to conserve
> animals and our
> other natural resources. I'm excited to be a part of
> your group.
>
> Roy Thibodeau
> President
> Las Cruces Reptile Rescue
>
>


=====
Tom Lorenz
210 W. Robert  Apt. # 2
Hammond, LA  70401
(504) 429-0748

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online.
http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html

Hello Ron,

I think you meant to wish Jon the best, my health is
okay currently!  We all wish Jon well, he's been an
excellent contributor and has one of the most
impressive hearts of anyone I've met (even though it's
on line).

Tom in LA (Tom Lorenz)

--- Roy Thibodeau <capnhowdy777@...> wrote:
> Hello everyone, just wanted to drop a line and say
> "hi."  Tom Lorenz,
> I wanted to extend my support and best wishes to
> you. I know it must
> be difficult having serious health problems. I
> myself have recently
> been going through some, although I don't know the
> extent of your
> health. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple
> Sclerosis.  This has
> been a deterent to me in my rescue efforts as well.
> I no longer have
> the strength to rescue and rehabilitate reptiles to
> the extent I had
> done previously. I had to "downsize" from more than
> 150 animals to the
> 30 or so I have left.  Fortunately I was able to
> find homes for most
> of the animals here. I still have the few, mainly
> Rattlesnakes, as
> they are harder to place into "proper" homes.
> Anyway, I hope your
> health improves, and you will be in our prayers here
> in Las Cruces,
> New Mexico. Please let me know if there is anything
> I can help with,
> even if its just an "ear" to listen.
>      Jan, that is quite a story on "Humper" your
> bullsnake.  I LOVE
> your dedication.  I've had some similar experiences,
> and I know how
> great it feels to be the one person willing to take
> on such a
> challenge. Some snakes (and other reptiles) are just
> not wanted by
> anyone else. You have a wonderful heart.  This group
> may be slow at
> first to grow, but it WILL grow if we all stick with
> this and work
> together.  We here of the Las Cruces Reptile Rescue
> will continue to
> do all we can to help save our wonderful friends,
> our reptiles.  I
> myself appreciate so much all the terrific people
> who have joined this
> group and their efforts to help preserve snakes, and
> educate people on
> the worthiness of these great animals.  Concerted
> efforts like these
> are what bring about the needed changes to conserve
> animals and our
> other natural resources. I'm excited to be a part of
> your group.
>
> Roy Thibodeau
> President
> Las Cruces Reptile Rescue
>
>


=====
Tom Lorenz
210 W. Robert  Apt. # 2
Hammond, LA  70401
(504) 429-0748

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online.
http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html

hey i have two female leopaerd geckos for sale albino and
patternless and they c/w 20g tank, tank top, heat pad, tank
background, temp gage, rocks, wood peices, top light with balck
bulb, two water boles, two extra rubber maid containers, plastic
leaves and house,wood logs.  $200 o.b.o. MAKE ME A OFFER

brad

Hi Roy,

I will email you back soon...I just haven't been up to writing long
emails (my mom, Jan, and I had a rather bad snake week & since then I
haven't been able to think of much to say).

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and that it's slowing you down with
rescuing herps.

Humper is truly a sweet little snake. He ALMOST remained at my house
but my mom took over his care after I realized I'd be away for his
first shed. Since he really can't be left alone while shedding, he went
to my mom. I do miss the little guy but I have another "special needs"
bull baby to keep me company. At the same time as we received Humper,
we got another one that my mom named BD. It stands for brain damaged.
When he was a tiny baby, someone smooshed his skull when they mistook
him for a rattlesnake. He's blind in one eye and no longer recognizes
food. I place defrosted pinkies or fuzzies in his mouth and coax him
into eating. He can be quite stubborn but just like Humper, he's got an
incredibly sweet & docile personality.

Looking at him makes us wonder how people can hurt these animals. It
truly is mind boggling but we know most of the damage is done out of
fear and ignorance.

On to a related subject...I'm trying to put together a Snake Awareness
website to help my mom out. I've got the design done but I need content
to go into the site. I'd like some ideas from the people on this list.
Of course, I will always give credit where credit is due, so anyone who
helps out will be listed on a credits page.

I found a web hosting place that was offering free web hosting for 3
yrs. So I have the space to put up quite a large site. I need to
register a domain name but haven't done that yet. Any suggestions are
definitely welcome!

Roy, if you ever find non-venomous snakes in need of homes, my mom and
I might be able to help. We both live in the Santa Fe area but I am
usually up for a trip to Cruces. I went to college there, by the way!
That's actually where I got my first snake (almost 10 yrs ago). My
friends chipped in and got me a garter snake from Animal Friends for my
birthday. In fact, we have a number of snakes that originated from that
store (about 9-10 yrs ago). I later received a "hand-me-down" garter
from a friend and an amelanistic gopher snake as another birthday
present. My mom got two "hand-me-down" snakes too. She has a corn snake
and cal king. All of the hand-me-downs came from a friend who felt
they'd be better off with us. I also have a 10 yr old checkered garter
that came from Animal Friends too.

Of course, nowadays, I prefer NOT to get pets from pet stores but at
the time, Animal Friends had staff who truly cared for the reptiles
they sold. I don't know how they are now though.

Stephanie in Santa Fe

Hello everyone, just wanted to drop a line and say "hi."  Tom Lorenz,
I wanted to extend my support and best wishes to you. I know it must
be difficult having serious health problems. I myself have recently
been going through some, although I don't know the extent of your
health. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  This has
been a deterent to me in my rescue efforts as well. I no longer have
the strength to rescue and rehabilitate reptiles to the extent I had
done previously. I had to "downsize" from more than 150 animals to the
30 or so I have left.  Fortunately I was able to find homes for most
of the animals here. I still have the few, mainly Rattlesnakes, as
they are harder to place into "proper" homes.  Anyway, I hope your
health improves, and you will be in our prayers here in Las Cruces,
New Mexico. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with,
even if its just an "ear" to listen.
      Jan, that is quite a story on "Humper" your bullsnake.  I LOVE
your dedication.  I've had some similar experiences, and I know how
great it feels to be the one person willing to take on such a
challenge. Some snakes (and other reptiles) are just not wanted by
anyone else. You have a wonderful heart.  This group may be slow at
first to grow, but it WILL grow if we all stick with this and work
together.  We here of the Las Cruces Reptile Rescue will continue to
do all we can to help save our wonderful friends, our reptiles.  I
myself appreciate so much all the terrific people who have joined this
group and their efforts to help preserve snakes, and educate people on
the worthiness of these great animals.  Concerted efforts like these
are what bring about the needed changes to conserve animals and our
other natural resources. I'm excited to be a part of your group.

Roy Thibodeau
President
Las Cruces Reptile Rescue

not sure if it made it to the list or not.

By the way, Hi Adam! Nice to have you on board. This list is pretty new and not
much traffic yet but bear with us!

And welcome to all the other new members I haven't had time to welcome.

Please get your health back up.  We all still need to
figure out the 'spring herping' idea for one of these
years and I'd definitely like to see that property.

Sincerely,

Tom in LA

--- Jonathan Rellen <Georgiapeachfarm@...> wrote:
> Due to health reasons, I'll be curtailing a number
> of activities
> including participation in on line discussion
> groups. I'll also be
> curtailing travel and restricting farm visitors to
> family, close
> friends and a few long time business associates. And
> yesterday I
> authorized my youngest son to seek out a long time,
> financially
> stable national or international conservation
> organization, and begin
> to negotiate the donation of some 1000 plus acres of
> our farm's
> woodlands, lowlands and lake to that organization.
> The complete
> protection of and preservation of that acreage's
> wildlife will be our
> top priority, as well as that conservation
> organization allowing
> controlled future visitation to these lands by
> outdoor and wildlife
> enthusiasts. That should make some of you happy.
> I'll be back when my
> health improves. Jon in Georgia USA
>
>


=====
Tom Lorenz
210 W. Robert  Apt. # 2
Hammond, LA  70401
(504) 429-0748

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Echo 

 Austin, TX

 What don't kill ya makes ya stronger - (Mamo), my Grandmother, 1970's
I know now that she read Nietzsche

Hi. My name is Iris Shelles. I live in Gainesville, Florida. I don't
have any pet snakes, but I love herptiles, nature, hiking and working
with children's education programs. I like your Snake Awareness Day
idea. It's like the annual International Amphibian Days, held April 2-
4. Programs like that one and your Snake Awareness Days do a lot of
good. This year the 5th annual amphibian days conference will be held
in Maryland. The amphibian days promotes amphibian conservation and
education. If you want more information you can email
iad@... or visit www.intlamphibday.org. Maybe you can
tie in the Snake Awareness Program with the Amphibian Days Program.
Making April the month to focus on herptile conservation and other
planet preservation work is wonderful. A lot of good can come from
people working together for a common goal. Good luck with this new
group! Iris S.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sarah

To: snake_conservation@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 12:29 AM

Subject: [snake_conservation] Hi everyone!

Hi, my name is Sarah (or Gemisnake). I am fascinated with every
aspect of keeping reptiles. I am also a breeder and stress captive
bred pets to everyone who wants a reptile (keep the wild ones
wild!!!) And my fave things to do is when I go to schools, ffa, 4h,
and the local nature center and volunteer my time to teach people
(mainly children) about reptiles.
Right as of now these are the animals I have: (they all have names
but I will keep that out)
1.0 Redtail boa
3.5 royal python
0.1 kenyan sand boa
1.1 az mt kingsnake
2.3 cornsnake
1.3 central american boa
1.1 checkered garter
2.9 leopard gecko
1.0 lined gecko
0.1 leaf tail gecko
3.6 bearded dragon
0.1 savannah monitor
1.1 redear slider
0.1 russian tortoise
1.0 common snapper
0.0.2 whites treefrog
0.0.1 birdeater tarantula
1.1 tabby cat (fixed of course)
So as you can guess my day is pretty full! Anyways I love every
second of caring for them.
Hope to get to know you all soon.
Sarah aka Gemisnake
"CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION"

---

Yahoo! Groups Links

• To visit your group on the web, go to:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snake_conservation/
   
• To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  snake_conservation-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
   
• Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

What a wonderful thing to do.  I have promoted good snake will for
years & never thought to do it in a group.

   I have a mated pair of eastern black necked garters, a columbian
red tailed boa & a burmese python.   My male garter "Fred"
& "Bender" the boa are my ambassadors of good snake will.

   They can do what no book learning or speaches can do.  They make
people comfortable with herps & diminish the stigmas alot of people
associate with snakes.
   Fred is great with kids because he is small & I can do a trick
with him....the upside down sleep.

   Bender is great with more mature people because of his great bulk
& responses to petting.   He slinks like a cat & wags his tail when
you stroke him.  Folks associate a more mammalian love towards him
because of his size & demeanor.

   Either way I am blessed to have 2 such good ambassadors.  I just
wish they weren't needed.  Too bad some folks just don't understand
that snakes are people too.....lol

   Thanks again for starting this format.   It's long overdue

Hi, my name is Sarah (or Gemisnake). I am fascinated with every
aspect of keeping reptiles. I am also a breeder and stress captive
bred pets to everyone who wants a reptile (keep the wild ones
wild!!!) And my fave things to do is when I go to schools, ffa, 4h,
and the local nature center and volunteer my time to teach people
(mainly children) about reptiles.
Right as of now these are the animals I have: (they all have names
but I will keep that out)
1.0 Redtail boa
3.5 royal python
0.1 kenyan sand boa
1.1 az mt kingsnake
2.3 cornsnake
1.3 central american boa
1.1 checkered garter
2.9 leopard gecko
1.0 lined gecko
0.1 leaf tail gecko
3.6 bearded dragon
0.1 savannah monitor
1.1 redear slider
0.1 russian tortoise
1.0 common snapper
0.0.2 whites treefrog
0.0.1 birdeater tarantula
1.1 tabby cat (fixed of course)
So as you can guess my day is pretty full! Anyways I love every
second of caring for them.
Hope to get to know you all soon.
Sarah aka Gemisnake
"CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION"

Hi everyone. I just joined the group, I think its a good idea. My wife
and I have been involved in reptile rescue for the past 3 years, and
I've been working with and keeping reptiles, especially snakes, for well
over 30 years now. I agree we need everyone we can get to help educate
the public on the awesome value and worthiness of snakes and other
reptiles. We started this as a non-profit organization and received
our 501(c)3 non-profit status about a year and a half ago.

Last year we rescued more than 400 reptiles between unwanted/neglected
pets, and removing rattlesnakes safely from peoples homes and
property, releasing them into more remote areas for the snakes'
safety. We also do presentations at many of the local schools,
educating children as well as teachers on the value of reptiles. We
also train interested people on the proper way to handle and care for
venomous reptiles, such as the staff at the Las Cruces Museum of
Natural History.

I'm looking forward to working with all of you. I think this could do
a lot of good here in New Mexico in helping to conserve and appreciate
snakes. They're certainly my favorite animal...

----- Original Message -----

From: lebongirl@...

To: snake_conservation@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2004 7:13 PM

Subject: Re: [snake_conservation] hiya all

In a message dated 1/24/2004 8:05:18 PM Eastern Standard Time, animalnut630@... writes:

> I'm going to forward the post you sent to a couple
> friends I think they might like to join as well:)

Thanks Joy! Every bit of "publicity" will help. Glad to have you on board!

We're not doing too badly so far...I think there are 8 of us here now.

:)

---

Yahoo! Groups Links

• To visit your group on the web, go to:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snake_conservation/
   
• To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  snake_conservation-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
   
• Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

In a message dated 1/24/2004 8:05:18 PM Eastern Standard Time,
animalnut630@... writes:

> I'm going to forward the post you sent to a couple
> friends I think they might like to join as well:)

Thanks Joy! Every bit of "publicity" will help. Glad to have you on board!

We're not doing too badly so far...I think there are 8 of us here now.

:)

I'm Joy, I just read about this list on women with snakes, what a
super Idea!!!  I'm going to forward the post you sent to a couple
friends I think they might like to join as well:)

JOy

So far there are 5 members. Not too bad for a list that's less than 12
hrs old.

I hope we can get more people to join the list but be aware that it'll
probably take a bit of time for this to become truly active. So, be
patient!

Anyway, as you all know, I created this to discuss issues that face
snakes in todays world. We all love these animals and would like to
see them remain in this world for future generations.

I started keeping snakes 10 yrs ago because I thought they were
interesting and beautiful. My friends gave me my first snake as a
birthday present and my "hobby" quickly took off.

In the past 10 yrs my hobby's graduated to a true passion. I've met
many people and told many about my snakes. In doing so, I've been met
with all sorts of attitudes about these animals. Some people thought
that keeping snakes was a great idea, others were curious but many
expressed fear, ignorance and disgust.

Somewhere along the line my position as hobbyist changed into one of
trying to informally teach people about these animals in hopes of
changing their minds. I always hope that I can persuade people that
these animals aren't "bad" and aren't evil and aren't out to kill
everyone they run across.

I've also run into a lot of misinformation about snakes. You'd be
surprised at the number of people who've asked me if snakes have
hearts, if they have backbones, etc. I'm truly amazed at the general
public's overall perception of these animals.

I think my mom would agree to that.

She's been instrumental in promoting snake
awareness/conservation/advocacy at a local level. She continues to do
a lot of work to spread the word that snakes aren't such bad animals
to have around.

So how can we make a difference? Well, as I look at it, even if we all
manage to change only ONE person's mind about snakes, we've done
something good and worthwhile.

And you can bet that the ONE person whose mind you've changed will
tell others.

Perhaps if we work together, even at a small level, we can help each
other make dramatic changes in our local communities and even at a
global level.

It's pretty easy to write letters to one's local newspaper. All you
need to do is write a letter to the editor or to columnists who list
their email address in their articles.

There's a lot we can do to make a difference so let's work together to
figure out how to help these animals and how to help eachother.

Since we're a new list, please consider passing on invitations to this
list. You can point people to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snake_conservation/

And please, even though there are only 5 of us right now, feel free to
speak up...even if it's not on the topic of snake conservation. I see
no reason why general "chit chat" should be prohibited.

And again, welcome to the list!

Stephanie