Home | Herp Humor | Meetings | Sponsors | Events | Adoptions | Links | News | Contact Us | Reptiles and Amphibians as PetsOver the years more and more people are keeping reptiles and amphibians. They are beautiful to look at and fascinating to watch. They don't bark and annoy the neighbors or claw your furniture to shreds. But many times people purchase a reptile on an impulse. They walk into a pet store, see a cute little iguana or snake and buy it. They don't take the time to find out about their new pet. They don't realize that the cute little critter they just bought can reach six feet, or longer, and might become aggressive. Sadly, owners often end up trying to find a new home for their reptile; a task that isn't easy. The Los Angeles Zoo reports that they get several calls a day from people asking them to take their iguana. They can't take iguanas or other animals from the general public. To help you decide which reptile or amphibian is best for you please read the following. Things to ask the pet store or seller before buying a reptile or amphibian:
Things to consider before getting a reptile or amphibian:
Certain reptiles and amphibians are illegal in California unless you have a special permit to keep them.Reptiles such as alligators and crocodiles are illegal in California unless you have a special permit to keep them. While a twelve inch baby alligator may be cute, it soon grows beyond the capability of the average hobbyist to manage it. California and other states have had problems with animals being released into local lakes and streams. These animals, such as Reggie, can become a danger to general public. Never release a pet reptile or amphibian into the wild! They often out compete native herps for food and habitat and can cause extinction of native species. They can carry diseases that kill off native species.Care sheets for specific animals will be available soon. |