Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Vipera27 · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject:

Exactly, i have a lot more respect for people who want to show the true behaviors of herps instead of giving a misguided view, especially of something as innocent as a grass snake.

I don't believe it is just forum hysteria, speaking from experience of working with both herps and the public, i know how videos especially from the infamous You Tube can fuel people's fears. It seems people prefer to reference things they have seen on there than use reliable sources such as forums or the advice of experienced herp keepers.

I'm sure the guy's sound and I'm not questioning his level of experience (although tailing a grass snake...? Laughing

) but i think he should have been a bit more aware of the example he was giving. And as previously mentioned he should have thought of the copycats, the inexperienced people who are just after the fame and glory.

Natalie x

Peter Parrot · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:51 pm Post subject:

Ailurus · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 11:24 pm Post subject:

i have to agree with you there peter, have you seen the vids of him with the rattlesnakes in the US, seems a bit of a pratt, also he tries to hard, he is trying to be Steve Irwin, and failing, also the vid where he jums in the river to catch a grass snakes is hilarious, he misses it rofl
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http://www.youtube.com/user/Ailurus27

JStroud · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 3:05 am Post subject:

Dragon Breeder · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:32 am Post subject:

i don't have anything greatly important to say other than as a friend Ben is a cool bloke.
I'm just replying so i get notified when theres replies... i wanna see how this post turns out lol
*nosey git Laughing

*

Erik
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Reptiles by Erik Paterson
1.1.0 Chinese Water Dragon
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon
8.10.11 + 14 eggs Cape House Snake
0.2.1 Leopard Gecko

Peter Parrot · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject:

Dragon Breeder · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject:

Peter, I'm not defending his videos or his Field her ping techniques, just his general personality.
i personally prefer to watch the animal in its natural surroundings where possible, & i wouldn't feck about with a venomous snake on a site where there are literally hundreds of impressionable little kids.
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Reptiles by Erik Paterson
1.1.0 Chinese Water Dragon
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon
8.10.11 + 14 eggs Cape House Snake
0.2.1 Leopard Gecko

Peter Parrot · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject:

Erik,

I didn`t take your post as any form of defence. Wink

I have no issue with Ben`s character, having never met him.
The issue I have is regarding the manner in which he does what he does, and the amount of easily influenced young people that are viewing the videos, a proportion of which are sure to emulate his actions. The result of any copy cat behaviour will do nothing to improve the status of Britain`s snake population.
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Dragon Breeder · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 2:08 pm Post subject:

i agree, if a large number of say 13 year olds with no snake experience go out and start tailing adders and getting bitten - it will do the snake, which is already in decline, no justice whatsoever. It is bad enough there are still a large majority of people who will kill the snakes when they see them. It is just unfortunate that this kind of thing happens.

Erik
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Reptiles by Erik Paterson
1.1.0 Chinese Water Dragon
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon
8.10.11 + 14 eggs Cape House Snake
0.2.1 Leopard Gecko

Peter Parrot · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 2:14 pm Post subject:

Exactly. Reading the feedback on youtube from young impressionable and naieve youngsters who are consequently seeking Ben`s advice it is certainly a cause for concern. Ben has, to an extent, put himself in a position of an ambassador for the cause of British reptiles to an audience with very little relevant prior knowledge. As such, he really needs to change his ways.
_________________
YSBRYDOLI POBL, GWELLA LLEOEDD
INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACES
www.btcv.org
Visit our website - Gwelwch ein Gwefan
www.btcvcymru.org
Llinell Gymorth / Helpline: 08702 40 48 41