HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: rotheroe@convex.com (Dave Rotheroe)
Subject: Re: KILLER BIVITTATUS
Organization: Engineering, CONVEX Computer Corp., Richardson, Tx., USA
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1992 15:51:01 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

[ newspaper artical deleted]

>A big hand to Reuters for a reasonable and responsible report.

Yes.

>I see lots of talk about bites, but how does one get squeezed?
>I'm certain that nobody reading this group has ever personally
>been killed by their python, but does this sort of thing ever
>cross one's mind while cleaning?  Do you guys use spotters?

Yes, it does cross my mind.  At least for me.  It should for anyone keeping
large snakes.  I try to play with "Don", my male Burm at least once or
twice a week, other than cage cleaning or feeding.  He's starting to get to
the point where he would cause serious damage (8', probably 15+ pounds) if
he bit me.  When I was playing with him about a month ago, he wrapped his
rear 1/4 to 1/3 around my upper arm and went exploring in thin air with
the rest of his body.  The grip was increadible - I've never felt enything
like it - 10X what a fully pumped up blood pressure cuff feels like.  I
allowed him to do this for about 5 minutes, while expecting my arm to turn
blue (it didn't).  Big snakes are *strong*, and I have already decided that
I will have a knowledgable spotter anytime after 10' or 25 pounds (whichever
comes first).

Dave Rotheroe                  rotheroe@convex.com		    DoD#0045
CONVEX Computer Corporation
Richardson (Dallas), TX 75083-3851
(214) 497-4512

A day without sunshine is like...   night
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
From: bowden@convex.csd.uwm.edu (John W. Bowden)
Subject: Re: KILLER BIVITTATUS
Originator: bowden@convex.csd.uwm.edu
Reply-To: bowden@convex.csd.uwm.edu
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1992 21:29:53 GMT

From article <1992Apr9.192902.23149@progress.com>, by gerard@progress.COM (Gerard Bras):
> mdtaylor@wc.novell.com (Mark D. Taylor) writes:
[stuff deleted]
> 
> The bit aabout the guy being pretty much screwed once his arms 
> got pinned is right on.  Remember, these snakes do this for a 
> living.  They are pros at subduing dinner.  Don't ever challenge
> a pro.
> 

Ummmm....I hate to cast aspersions on the Royters (sp?) report,
but having owned some large snakes I find it difficult to believe
that a 15' unit could kill an adult male Homo sapiens.  Either
this individual was very *very* frail or the reporters got a bad sizing
on the snake.  Since a 15' Burmese is not large enough to constrict
both the arms and legs of an adult, I think that this snake must have
been much closer to 20' in order to weigh enough to keep a human male
on the ground.  I've seen Burmese around 20' long and they would make
quick work of a person alone.  I've also owned several snakes in the 12-14'
range and they simply are not heavy enough to keep someone on the ground.

Under my model of reasoning, since this snake would not have been able
to keep the man on the ground, the man would have been able to damage
the snakes spine against a corner of a wall or piece of furniture which
would have ended the attack.

> When I'm handling big snakes that I don't know I most certainly
> do have someone else around.  Same goes if one of mine is feeling 
> "feisty".  That's a technical term herpetologists use for mean or
> hungry with intent.

Not to condone my own behavior...but I used to fall asleep watching
TV with my big pythons.  I would often wake up with them "snuggling"
with me. ;^)  ((not a joke!))

Of course, this was in my more naive period.  I agree with Gerard that
large pythons (10+') should never be handled alone.  Not because of
threat of be killed....but because it is very difficult to disengage
a feeding strike without seriously injuring the snake (in the case of
very large snakes.)  Also, large python bites are not trivial injuries.

BTW, if you are thinking about getting a Burmese python, find someone
with a unit over 15' and ask yourself how bad you really want one after
seeing/handling it.  If you can live without fearing one of these large
(and mainly gently) snakes I think you will find it rewarding.  If you
fear the snake, do not get one.  I've met many herpers that are gut level
uncomfortable with big snakes, so no need to feel like a sissy if you are
too.

Aint I just a font of wisdom? :)

John.....
From: bouchard@sage.cc.purdue.edu (Hilary )
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: My Iguana has lost his spines....
Date: 8 Apr 92 16:40:14 GMT
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center

>-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone!  I`d like to thank all the people who e-mailed me with ideas
about getting Iggy to eat anything that contains any protein.  I have finally
succeeded with tofu and lentil beans!  I still am concerned that Iggy, who
is around a year old and in seemingly perfect health, has lost the long
spines that she had on the back of her neck during her first (and only,
so far) shed.  Is this normal?  Should she be taken to a vet?  She does not
appear to be in any pain, as she is quite friendly and tame, nor was there
any blood loss or signs of infection.  Could this be the result of a trauma
that occurred before she was in my care?  Or is it the sign of a disease or
viral/bacterial/fungal infection?  Will they grow back?  

			   Thanks for your help!
						Hilary

P.S. I think I should add that she has been in my care for only two months,
     calcium:phosphorus ratios are strictly adhered to, she eats like a hog,
     I believe I have adequate UV, her terrarium/home has lots of branches,
     a large water bowl that she can bathe in, a cloth-covered heat rock,
     she is *really* friendly, in that she will leave her usual perch on top
     of a lamp shade to jump on my lap to be stroked, when there are plenty
     of other warmer/cooler places to go, and her color is a blinding, vibrant
     (almost fluorescent) shade of green with jet black stripes and baby
     blue around her face.  She is definitely on the pudgy side of life,   
     although I would not classify her as obese.
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
From: datri@convex.com (Anthony A. Datri)
Subject: Re: reinhardtii (was Re: Lucky herp)
Organization: Engineering, CONVEX Computer Corp., Richardson, Tx., USA
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 04:33:36 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

>What sounds like a Rubber Boa?  Seems the sign in the pet shop sim-
>ultaneously identified it as Rubber Boa and Calabaria reinhardtii. Is

Nononono -- The sticker on the tank says

	Rubber snake $n
	(Calabaria reinhardtii)

> "Nile Monitor

Speaking of which, can someone please describe Nile and/or Savannah Monitors
for me?  I've yet to find a photograph of any monitor other than the Komodo.
Damn -- I wish I'd known about the person at Solbourne with the Savannahs
a year ago when I was out there...

>Anthony, what did you see?  I've forgotten the whole point of this

I was clear; someone else threw the word "Boa" in there.  It warn't be
bloody fault 8^)

It's a timid-looking, cylindrical snake whose tank is labelled as indicated
above.  It's brown-blackish, with lighter occasional tannish-orangish spots.
I've yet to get a very good look at it -- it's always covered either with
the crushed walnut shells that the guy uses as substrate or with the
~2 foot Corns that share the tank with it.  There's no distinct neck to
speak of, and the eyes are very small and black.  This guy looks so lonely
that I may have to buy him.

The walnut shells amaze me, though.  I've seen ribbon snakes thrash feeder
fish around and end up swallowing adhered fragments.

The whole thing began when someone spoke of colubrids being legal and
boids illegal.  I believe that person implied that this was the case
for the whole of Texas, and I responded that it varies by city.  I've
had a report that someone in Richardson (a largish pseudo-suburb of
Dallas) once kept a Cougar, and from what I hear, even venomous snakes
are legal in Fort Worth.

Dallas, though, *seems* to regard all boids as illegal, although I've
yet to track down ordinances to verify this.  Neighboring Richardson's
ordinances outlaw (and I quote) "dangerous animals".  If somebody thinks
that boid == dangerous, I'd like to introduce him to both this Calabar
and a Mangrove snake.

So, if I can find the Carpet Python that I have my heart set on, I'll
probably keep it at work (in Richardson) instead of home (Dallas)
until I get a house, which won't be inside of the bounds of Dallas.

-- 


======================================================8--<
Xref: sparky rec.pets.herp:1963 rec.aquaria:3875
From: vmh@vmh.Eng.Sun.COM (Valerie Haecky)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp,rec.aquaria
Subject: Equipment for sale
Date: 14 Apr 92 02:05:37 GMT
Followup-To: poster
Distribution: ca
Organization: Sun Microsystems Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA
NNTP-Posting-Host: vmh

After some refurnishing (setting up a 75gl Arowana tank ;-) and
rearranging my reptiles),
I have some items too many, of interest to herpers and fishers:


20 gl glass tank with lid (1 year old)				35.-
UGF 3 pieces a 9 1/2 square					 8.-
Incandescent hood for 10gl tank					 5.-
Silencer Pump for 10-20gl tank - QIUET!				10.-
Whisper 100  for 10gl tank					 5.-
Small clamp on heater (semi submersible)			 5.-
Large brown plastic plant					 2.-
Large green plastic plant					 2.-
Small corner filter 						 5.-

Small heat rock							 8.-
Large heat rock 						15.-

If you are interested, send email to vmh@vmh.sun.com, or
call me at (415) 961-8950. I live and work in Mountain View.
Prices negotiable. 


--
                 __                               
     _______    /*_>-<       Valerie Haecky           _ ^---^ 
 ___/ _____ \__/ /           vmh@vmh.sun.com         <_|-----)> 
<____/     \____/                                       v---v 
Organization: Sophomore, Social & Decision Sciences, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Date: Mon,  6 Apr 1992 15:17:15 -0400 
From: "Jennifer E. Swofford" <jsap+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: vita-lite price?

Hi everyone,

So what if I'm too lazy to go out and actually price these things?  I'm
a student.  I need to work and to sleep.  :) 

Anyways, how much would you guyz say a 24" (ish) vita-lite would go for?
 I just bought two fluorescent lights, not vita-lite brand, but they
were supposed to be about the same but less expensive.  However, they
cost a hell of a lot.  At least, by my standards.  I'm not even gonna
say how much they were, to protect my ignorance.  

Please reply with any information you might have.  Also, please send
replies directly to my account!  (You can reply to the bboard too, if
you want, but, I might not ever see it.  I'm 92 messages behind as it
is!  They keep getting erased on me.  Spring Break does that to ya!)

Thanks a lot!

A broke

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jennifer E. Swofford     
                              
jsap+@andrew.cmu.edu     
iguana+@cmu.edu        
                              
...phone number removed to prevent those weird calls I've been getting...  
                             
aka - Minerva - Key Lime Pie - FIVE!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: larry@angel.UUCP (Larry Tenbush)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: SCTHS Metting Announcement
Date: 9 Apr 92 20:41:43 GMT
Organization: Angel's Retrreat, San Antonio TX



************************************************************************
*                                                                      *
*                        SOUTH/CENTRAL TEXAS                           *
*                       HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY                         *
*                                                                      *
************************************************************************


                 APRIL 1992 MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT


     Date: Wednesday, April 15th
     Time: 7:30 p.m.
     Where: Southwest Foundation - Denney Conference Center
            ( Military Drive and Loop 410 ) 
            San Antonio, Texas

     Come and meet Dave Barker, our guest speaker, who will have a slide
     presentation on the Ridgenosed Rattlesnake in Nothern Mexico
     (Crotalus willardi), as well as other herps found in that area.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



               PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENT


     Date: Sunday, April 12th
     Time: 1:00 p.m.
     Where: San Antonio Botanical Center

     There will be a live display of local reptiles.  I you can help 
     in answering questions or displays, please call Terri Lowell
     (512) 393-7404 evenings.



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

               FIELD TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT

      Date: Friday, April 24th  and  Saturday, April 25th
      Where: Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit

      On Saturday, April 25th there will be a BBQ it is also pot luck.

      In case of bad weather, alternate arrangements will be made.

      Foe Information, Call:  Jeff Barringer (512) 258-2506 Austin
                              Mike Berardi   (512) 520-3824 San Antonio


      
-- 
WHOAMI: Larry "Bear" Tenbush 
  CITY: San Antonio, Texas  78230
 SMART: larry@angel.ucm.org
  BANG: ....!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!dptspd!ephsa.ucm.org!angel.ucm.org!larry
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
From: cs4gp6ac@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca (Lizard King)
Subject: Re: herpaholics
Organization: Department of Computer Science, McMaster University
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1992 13:24:58 GMT

Twelve snakes, two geckos, one turtle, one African frog, and counting!

RLB
From: mtm0056@zeus.tamu.edu
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: Re: No burmese bites ?
Date: 11 Apr 92 02:10:00 GMT
Organization: Sex Studies Division, Texas A&M Univ.
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

>I was bitten once by Mithras, but twas my own damned fault.
> 
>I'd put her on a bed while I changed her tank bedding. When I went to pick her 
>up, I reached for her from the front and she chomped on my hand. It startled
>more than hurt, but boy did it bled!
> 
>I've learned to approach from behind, so as to not look like prey.
> 
>All in all, She is a real sweety, even with her "I'm a BIG MEAN burmese
>python" hiss when I initially take her from the tanks.
> 
>She's currently a bit more than a year old, and a bit more than 5ft.
>
>Dream Dancer                                


ssssssssssssssssssssex

Let this be a warning to all of you Burmese owners....this is exactly the
same way I was bitten by my Burmese.

BTW, I have 2 new additions to the family Bevara (did I spell that right?)
the chickensnake and Carlos Copperhead. 

Just so you know, I'm only planning on keeping them around temporarily. I 
don't fell like waking up with Carlos wrapped up next to my ear....Even less
than Bob.








					---- The Cunning Linguist

p.s. ...who just wanted to be able to say that he owned a poisonous snake.


Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
From: hall@kronos.arc.nasa.gov (Michael Hall)
Subject: Re: What do you feed a leopard frog---QUICK!
Organization: NASA/ARC Information Sciences Division
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1992 19:04:46 GMT

In article <1992Apr14.173412.1557@acsu.buffalo.edu> v105mahs@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Peter P. Donohue) writes:
>In article <92104.185449CBTCC@CUNYVM.BITNET>, CBTCC@CUNYVM.BITNET writes...
>>Guess the subject says it all...I have him and I'm curious and what do I
>>keep him/her in?  All water, 1/2 and 1/2?  Thanks,
>
>   I've never kept leopard frogs, but I can think of a few pieces of advice
>that may be helpful.  Water wise, I'd set him up in a terrarium (as opposed
>to an aquarium).  Some sort of substrate (gravel) with a decent sized bowl
>as a pond.  Keep the substrate reasonably dry - your trying to set up a
>tank with both land and water.

Although leopard frogs are more often found wandering through woodlands
and fields than other true frogs (Rana), they are still true frogs,
and are best kept in a pond area environment.  I don't think the frog
would be happy unless it had water deep enough to submerge itself in
water - nor would it be happy unless it had room to remain on land.
In my experience, leopard frogs are quite excitable jumpers, which
poses a problem when keeping them in captivity.

>   It should be safe to feed him crickets (available at most pet stores).
>If he is to small, you may have to find young crickets or wiongless fruit
>flies.  Sory to say, I can't help you with quantity.

3-6 large crickets per week, fed in 2-3 feedings.  These should be
snapped up eagerly; if not, it may indicate a problem with the frog.
Crickets are available at many pet stores. When possible, vary the diet
with locally caught bugs, preferably caught in an insecticide-free area.

You really should know how to care for a particular herp before you get it!

-- 
Michael Hall            \ Stand on 7-7 versus 10 in single deck blackjack,
NASA Ames Research Center\ unless of course your multiparameter side count
hall@ptolemy.arc.nasa.gov \ of 7's indicates normal or better remaining 7's.
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
From: datri@convex.com (Anthony A. Datri)
Subject: Re: reinhardtii (was Re: Lucky herp)
Organization: Engineering, CONVEX Computer Corp., Richardson, Tx., USA
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1992 21:55:03 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.


>Ross lists _Calabaria_reinhardtii_ as "African burrowing python".  As of
>1990, no successful captive breedings had been recorded.  Dark grey/black
>with orange/light brown speckles, no apparent neck.

That's a fair description, although I'd call the background brown.  Very
small, black eyes; doesn't move a whole hell of a lot.  I was pretty suprised
to see a fossorial snake in a pet store.  I'm half-tempted to buy it just
because it's exotic, but there's the old ethical question about wild-caught
animals.

>Is this the same animal by another name?

Yep; they explicitly avoid calling it a python in order to keep people from
getting uppity.
-- 


======================================================8--<
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
From: ginas@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Gina Sakata)
Subject: Lucky herp owners
Summary: Majority of Herps illegal in Hawaii!
Organization: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1992 00:35:52 GMT

I have been reading this group for several months now.  It must be so nice
to just go to the pet store to see/purchase your favorite herp.  Here we
have to go to the zoo!

Only turtles are legal here (certain species).  What would you recommend as
the appropriate living quarters for a 6 inch box turtle?  He doesn't look
happy in his present tank.

Thanks in advance.
From: ftit@arno.engin.umich.edu (Sergej Roytman)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: Anole Problem
Date: 4 Apr 92 03:23:34 GMT
Article-I.D.: engin.HRh+-kC
Organization: University of Michigan Engineering, Ann Arbor
Originator: ftit@arno.engin.umich.edu


I've had a couple of anoles for about four months now and the larger
one (Foo's Theorem: for any two reptiles A and B and quasi-order <,
where X<Y iff Y is larger than X, either A<B or B<A -- you heard it
here) has just realised that it's fun to chase the smaller one around.
This results in the smaller one's having to hide under the plants most
of the time and not getting enough exposure to heat and UV.  I think 
there's been some biting going on too.  Is this some sort of spring
thing, or are we talking bad habit here?  If this is a habit in the
making, what do I do about it?

In case it's relevent, I'm using a 5.5 gal. plastic aquarium with a
vented cover, ventilation holes, a climbing branch, and plenty of
plastic plants.  The lizards are about 3-4in. snout-to-vent.  As I said,
I haven't had this problem in the past, but is it possible that the
cage is too small?  (I hope not.  There isn't enough space in my dorm
room for a ten-gallon!)

--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|  ftit@engin.umich.edu   |   "... a stainless steel rat in the       |
|    (Sergej Roytman)     |  ferroconcrete wainscoting of Internet"   |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Say no to four-line .sigs.
From: csvoboda@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (iguana lover)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: Re: Green Iguana Toenail Trimming
Date: 16 Apr 92 21:38:10 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX


	If your ig is small, why trim them at all?  You only need to do so
when the lizard is big enough to scratch the hell out of you or your curtains,
furniture, dog, etc.

-- 
******************************* (__  __)     *
*    Cathy  S-T  at           *   (oo)______/
*         Longhorn U          *    \/ (_____@   a
*******************************       /     \     & 
                                     /      /      m
From: tracer@U.WASHINGTON.EDU (David Tracer)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: Re: King Snake
Date: 16 Apr 92 19:48:57 GMT

A king snake is not a king snake is not a king snake.
A milk snake is not a milk snake is not a milk snake.

Do you have any idea WHICH king snake you have?  California kings require
very different husbandry and food items than Scarlet kings for example.
From: v105mahs@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Peter P. Donohue)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
Subject: Re: BURMESE OUTDOORS
Date: 13 Apr 92 16:25:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

In article <92102.145233SAF108@psuvm.psu.edu>, SAF108@psuvm.psu.edu writes...
>I want to ask all you Burmese owners what you think about taking your
>pet outdoors when it is in the 80-90F temp. range during summer. I have
>a young 4 1/4 ft burmese and I live in P.A. I wondered if it is possible
>to let her go through the grass (under intense supervision of course) a
>bit or if this would expose her to parasites, infectious agents, etc.
>I was told somewhere along the line that direct exposure to sunlight is
>not good for prolonged periods of time. What's the thinking along these
>lines? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanx STEVE

   I don't think direct exposure to sunlight is bad.  Snakes do not require
it like iguanas do, but they do seem to enjoy it.  I used to always see
water snakes and garter snakes sunning themselves on rocks.
   Someone mentioned that there are rattlesnakes in the area.  I don't
think that they would pose a threat.  You sound like you will let the
snake wander around on a lawn - timber rattlers stick to woods.

					Pete

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter P. Donohue - University at Buffalo, Graduate School of Management
bitnet:   V105MAHS@UBVMS                . I've stopped looking for a job...
internet: V105MAHS@UBVMS.CC.BUFFALO.EDU .    I'm now begging for one!!!
Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp
From: seedman@iastate.edu (John D Turnipseed)
Subject: Re: BEWARE OF HEATING PADS!
Organization: Iowa State University, Ames IA
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 22:56:49 GMT

	A.  You are right as far as I'm concerned.  ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT DOES
	    NOT BELONG IN A CAGE.  That is why my heat pads are under the 
 	    floor of my cage.  Separated from the animals by glass or other 
	    water-tight barrier.  Though I may personally enjoy pissing on 
	    an electric fence, I don't expect my animals to.

	B.  There are currently available on the market, "thermometers".
	    These neat little devices measure the temperature of a given
	    area or surface.  I admit my burmese male got burned because 
	    I failed to check the temp, but I won't make that mistake again.

	C.  My heat pad was plugged into a surge protector, with a circuit
	    breaker.  Didn't do didly.

				-=- seedman

Newsgroups: rec.pets.herp