[serpentman]

The issue as to whether or not keep dangerous animals comes up frequently in the reptile community, partially because of the rampant phobias surrounding snakes and the like.

IME, there are two reasons people keep dangerous animals:

1.) They are compensating for some inequity in their own life and feel the need to show off (same reason some folks drive Hummers, lol).

2.) They have a genuine curiosity as to the behaviors exhibited by a dangerous creature (venomous animals know they're venomous and behave differently).

Often times, folks convince them its number #2 when deep down its #1. The question people have to ask is what level of inherent risk they are willing to tolerate. Not necessarily for themselves, but for loved ones. For example, an escaped octopus might be irresistible to a pet dog or God forbid a young child.

I worked with a few professors and have spend many hours catching and tagging rattlesnakes and even kept a few personal specimens. They are fascinating creatures with a very high level of awareness when compared to many other snakes. However, when my babies were born, the inherent risk was too high and off they went. No cool animal is worth the risk, especially ones that are adept at escape.