[anji1971]

As far as keeping snakes, it's not something I "planned" to do growing up. I always liked them, but was told repeatedly that they "needed to be left outside".
I remember going for walks with my dad, in the very same area I go herping in now, and catching them to hold and examine. My dad was very clear about the fact that he "really didn't like snakes much", but he always showed enthusiasm to match my own about them. And one day when I had a snake in one hand, and something else grabbed my attention, I just kind of thrust the snake at Dad, said "Here, hold this!" and went running to catch the other critter. I returned to find my father, still holding the snake, with a look of pure shock on his face. But he kept holding it, and to his dying day told everyone that he loved me so much, he'd even touch a snake for me!!
A few years ago, my kids found a garter in my mom's backyard, and they wanted to keep it. And rather than using the old "No, they belong outside", I decided to give it a go.
So there began the journey of snakes as pets, and I've never looked back.