NEWHERP
Northeast Wisconsin Herpetological Foundation
A Division Of Porterfield Exotics
Last Updated On 12/02/2011

Are pet herps dangerous to me, my family or others?

  Most pet herps are completely safe.  Keeping in mind that any creature wild or domestic is capable of some degree of harm to other creatures.  Most herps with the exception of a  handful of the largest snakes, lizards and crocs do not reach a size that would be considered dangerous to humans.  I do not recommend these large species be kept by the average person.  I do keep them myself and do obtain them for those who are qualified to keep them.  I have had a number of them come back when they reached a size where they became intimidating to their keepers.  I have never turned away anyone looking to place a large herp in a safe place.  Although herp attacks are extremely rare they get more media coverage than a plane crash.  As for venomous herps:  These are not pet herps and should only be kept by the most experienced herpetoculturists who are willing to provide the resources to house and handle them with the safety and well being of the herps, themselves and others as a priority.