Show Snake lover article Dear Editor 1 As the subject of the article ar ar- article entitled Slithering friends visit sit Journalism class Horizon April 3 1989 I wish to respond to Peyton Williams' Williams up follow editorial note as well as as' address a major inaccuracy within the story itself First Mr Williams' Williams astute accurate and thorough correction correction correction cor cor- of the definition of herpetologist was a pleasant surprise in light of the prevailing ignorance displayed displayed displayed dis dis- dis- dis played by most people concerning concerning concerning con con- this particular branch of the zoological sciences I dont don't know Mr Williams butI but butI I thank him for his int interest rest and insight Second while I l commend Melanie Stoddard rd on an upbeat upbeat upbeat up up- beat and basically accurate article article article ar ar- I I. I was misrepresented with reg regard he comments about a a a supposed 1 lack of f emotional attachment toward snakes kept as pets i. i Even in situations of strictly research oriented relationships with animals of any kind attachments can be formed Animals kept as pets then most certainly provide their human caregivers caregivers caregivers care- care givers considerable cause to develop strong bonds of af af- af- af Reptiles like other lower animals however are not capable of demonstrating loyalty or affection or of returning those feelings to their keepers It is this inability inability inability in in- ability I believe to which I alluded in our interview that caused the confusion That aside I I thank hank Melanie for her time and efforts efforts efforts ef ef- ef- ef forts in helping to to promote a greater understanding of these fascinating beautiful yet maligned animals Signed David E. E Jensen |