Be responsible in your pet ownership and display, and have some consideration for others when in public with your pet. Many reptile owners began their fascination with these creatures as I did, when they were children. So, little Johnny has come to you and wants a lizard or a snake for a pet. Let me offer some general advice. The important thing is to choose the right species.
Many people start their kids off with a green iguana.
In my opinion, iguanas are not an appropriate species for inexperienced reptile owners. They have very stringent environmental and dietary requirements that are difficult to reproduce in captivity, leading to poor health, stunted growth, and a short life span. A much better choice for a budding herpetologist would be my personal favorite, the corn snake. Corn snakes are native to the United States. Due to their ease of breeding, corn snakes are inexpensive and available in a rainbow of beautiful colors and patterns.