Other chemicals may not cause death or obvious deformities but have just as important effects. Certain chemicals are very similar to natural hormones and can affect individuals reaching maturity. For example, some chemicals will mimic the female hormone estrogen and can prevent juvenile males from properly maturing. It is unclear what effects these chemicals are having on humans. The reptile pet trade is big business.
Most companies are conscientious, honest and reputable.
They raise animals in captivity and ensure that would-be owners know what they are getting into when they purchase an animal that may live 20 or 30 years. Unfortunately, others simply see a way to make a quick buck or two. The collecting of wild animals to be sold as pets is a notorious practice which can have devastating effects on a population. One unscrupulous dealer even approached a Canadian university professor, who has dedicated his life to reptile conservation, with the offer of buying all the Wood Turtles he could catch. He also had advice on how to catch the entire population.