Thank you for putting some things into perspective here and using another animal to do it.
While this may be on the cusp of something between acceptable and unacceptable I find some of the foul language and nastiness pretty telling.
Total lack of ability to say, "hey maybe I was wrong, I hadn't thought of that" and that is really concerning.
Actually I had thought of the issues brought forth, and have thought more of them (obviously) recently, but STILL consider them merely conjecture and opinion. And those conjectures and opinions are merely built on those conjectures and opinions (even in print) made by others. As far as I have EVER been able to tell, not a single soul has actually PROVEN that releasing captive hatched and raised corn snakes into their native range will cause any damage to the environment whatsoever. Yeah, some will say the increase in population will be a problem. But that is no different from say, two clutches of corn snake babies hatching out in an area. Sorry, I just see groping at straws trying to find an excuse to prove a conclusion that they already believe in. Sure, LOTS of speculation, theories, and opinions on the matter, but no PROOF at all. It is my opinion that other actions done by mankind are causing the reduction on populations of a great number of animal species. So if my actions caused even a minor or likely temporary increase in population of the corn snakes in my area, then I am certainly happy to have been the cause of that. If some don't like that aspect about me, then I really could not care less. Personally, I'm pretty disappointed in the people I see here who evidently don't see any problem whatsoever in killing an animal instead of giving it even a slim chance to survive. You're worried about the SPCA and such? Yeah, let them latch onto that aspect of this business. Think you have problems now? Let them focus on this perspective of what YOU all are recommending and obviously advocating and see how far they can run with that particular ball. Personally, I don't think it gets much more cruel and inhumane then that. But that's just MY opinion.
So quite frankly, if people wish to condemn me because I chose to give those snakes I released into the wild a chance at life rather then a guaranteed death, then knock yourself out. I am sorry that I see no need to live my life based on YOUR opinions. And nor do I see any reason to accept your contrary opinions over mine in relating to what I have done in the past.
If that pisses you off, then I'm afraid you are just going to have to STAY pissed off. If I have learned anything from life, especially in relation to this site, there is nothing I have ever done, am doing, nor will do in the future that won't piss off someone.
Sorry, but I am done with this conversation. I am repeating my stance over and over again, and the antagonists are doing the same. No one is likely to change their opinion, and beyond just enjoying a good argument now and again, I really have nothing to gain by continuing this discussion. So read what I wrote here in this thread, and in more detail in my thread on CornSnakes.com. If what I have written isn't enough to satisfy you, then there is nothing else that will.
I will say this as a closing statement, though. Man, this legislation coming down the pike sure has shown the "best" side of a lot of people here lately. Seems like quite a lot of people are perfectly willing to push someone else in front of the bus if there is even the slimmest chance it may save their own neck. I doubt I will ever stop being surprised at the constantly new record low levels of maliciousness and pettiness displayed by some people.
Seriously people, you make me proud......
