but it is only a very small step in the process. If you are interested in having a voice in the types of animals you would like to keep and learn from then become involved in every herp related society/org that you can. Here are a few for NC (we are lucky that in this state our scientists, conservationists, and hobbyists work together to achieve common goals):
NCARK
http://www.ncark.org/
NCPARC
http://www.ncparc.org/
NC Herpetological Society
http://www.ncherps.org/
Keeping/breeding snakes is wonderful and was my sole focus for years but learning from various naturalists and working to keep habitats intact has become equally exciting.