At some point, it happens to all of us - we want to share our wonderful hobby with our friends and family! Somehow though (as often as not), they just don't seem to share our enthusiasm. This is true to some extent with all hobbies. EVERYthing is boring or distasteful to SOMEone. It is true that pet-keeping is a highly popular hobby (not to mention a billion dollar a year industry), but most of that popularity (and billion dollars) is lavished on furrier, more "companionable" pets. (Most notably of course, are dogs and cats.) Reptiles are still seen by many as strange and scary.
So, CAN others be made to like herps? The honest answer is No. We can only be patient and try to show others the fascinating aspects of herptiles. Maybe they will see for themselves. Maybe they will learn to like reptiles or at least be tolerant of them. Maybe not.
There are four categories of people as they relate to reptiles and amphibians.
Category 1 - "I love these reptiles!"
Category 2 - "Hey! I've never seen one of these animals before! Would you tell me about them?"
Category 3 - "I can't stand [insert snakes, frogs, lizards, etc. as appropriate]."
Category 4 - "I can't stand [insert snakes, frogs, lizards, etc. as appropriate]."
Category 1 folks usually say things like - "I found my first flowerpot snake when I was just 5 years old, and I've been collecting herps ever since." and "It finally came down to a choice between my wife and my herps. I just got a great new retic the other day..."
These folks are herpers and it shows!
Category 2 folks are open-minded and usually like animals in general. They are intrigued by the great diversity of life. Some of those in category 2 are herpers-to-be (whether they know it or not).
"But look! It won't [insert bite, give you warts, etc. as appropriate]."
"Hmm. Maybe they're not as bad as I thought. Tell me more."
Category 3 people are actually more open-minded than even they realize. A little patient explanation goes a long way with them. Just be honest with these people. Their willingness to listen deserves it.
First, some simple courtesies are in order. Don't sneak up on someone with a herp in your hands and don't let anyone enter an area without warning them that herps are present. This is really just common sense. You want to appeal to these people's intellect and fair-mindedness; not shock them with the very fears you are trying to overcome. You'll find some useful tips in
The Responsible Herper In Public
and
The Responsible Herper At Home.
"But look! It won't..."
"No! You can save your breath. I've always hated [or feared or both] them and I always will."
Category 4 people are actually giving good advice when they tell you to save your breath. They have made up their minds and nothing will change them. You will likely find that these folks have made up their minds on other matters as well. Like trying new foods, new hair & clothing styles, new technology, etc. Closed-mindedness is a simple and effective way to make decisions (or avoid making decisions). "I have always..." is a powerful beginning to a sentence. Unfortunately, it limits one to the box one is born in. Frankly, this author has little patience with category 4 people, but they are a fact of life. Just be honest with these people. As long as you obey all applicable laws, your love of reptiles is at least as valid as category 4 people's hatred of them. You might not want to run and tell your category 4 friends and relatives every time you acquire a new herp, but neither should you feel shame or intimidation about your hobby. Naturally, all common courtesies should be observed, such as warning people about the presence of herps. Look for tips in the two articles,
The Responsible Herper In Public
and
The Responsible Herper At Home.
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