My fiance and I are herpetologists by hobby. We don't have degrees, so it is hard to get people to pay attention to Our data. But I think that the best thing that We accomplish while doing Our research is when people stop to ask Us what We are doing and We get a chance to educate the public (although in very small groups) about the snakes that live in Our area. We get especially excited when we get to interact with local kids, We always tell them that they should leave the snakes alone, but that they should not be afraid of them and many of the people that We talk to thank Us before moving on. If all We ever get done is to help people understand more about snakes then We would be happy, but We also wish that the wildlife authorities would pay attention to Our data because a lot of it shows where the ecosystems are in trouble due to pollution or development. Any suggestions on how to get the fish and wildlife authorities to listen? I understand their skepticism given that We do not have degrees, but I think that if they looked at Our research they would find that we are very thorough and Our data is collected carefully. Dave & Beverly Fruth
What I would do and am doing is talking to the schools and getting permission to show some classes Pantyon, my snake, and teach them about him, I think Pantyon is a he. I have been doing this for about three years now. This would be good for the kids would learn more than they would in science! Good Luck!!
I know that Dave used to do that in Pennsylvania where he lived before, right now we are actually trying to get the Youth Group at our church involved in some clean up projects and such. What kind of snake do You have? We have a ball python and a common ribbon snake. Maybe by next school year Dave and I can get something worked out with Our son's school. Dave & Beverly Fruth
