
Originally Posted by
Trevtrev
Have lots around my property here in Florida. Don't keep any as pets though.
We have many yellow rat snakes around the yard. They are very docile and friendly. You can just walk up to one, pick it up, and they just hang out with you. My kids enjoy them. Sometimes we see red rats, but they are not as docile. Largest yellow rat we had here about five years ago was 7.5 feet long.
We also see lots of coral snakes, but don't mess with them. (Red touch yellow, kill a fellow)
And we see rattlesnakes. I just killed a 5 footer the other day that was hanging out at my little girl's bus stop. That one had to go. Luckily I saw it before the bus dropped the kids off...and it was exactly where the door opens! Got his rattles.
I've educated my kids that snakes are not just for killing, but they serve a purpose and live here with us. They know poisonous from non and what to do.
Since my kids are very young, I kill any rattlesnake that I see on our property. Can't take any chances.
I usually try to educate people that just kill snakes because they are snakes.