Snakes Alive by Lynn Byfield
A report of Wednesday 3 July 2002
Having obtained details of Lynn Byfield from an article in the Daily Telegraph (Property Section, 8 September 2001 page 5) about the home she provides for discarded reptiles and snakes, I thought this would be a very different subject for the club. I contacted her and after a most interesting conversation and established that she did give talks, I engaged her to come and speak to the club.
Lynn commenced by showing us some small creatures, which included
a Leopard gecko
a Giant African land snail
a Whites Tree Frog
an Argentinean Horn Frog
and an Australian Bearded Dragon Lizard.
Lynn gave us a very informative talk on where these creatures came from, their habitats, camouflage and what they eat was most fascinating. This was an intriguing introduction to the next part of the presentation, in fact the concentration was such that most of the time one could have "heard a pin drop" so to speak!
Lynn then opened a bag and drew out a Rosey Boa about 18" long which while its body was wrapped around her wrist, the head seemed to be trying to escape from her grasp. An American Corn Snake about 48" long again held up for us to see and again looked as though it wanted to move on followed this. Then she produced a Russian Glass Snake but it was a legless lizard, she informed us, again about 48" long.
Finally she opened a 24" cubic box, opened a bag, and took out a Golden Burmese Python about 8ft long.
I must say the boys at the front moved back a bit with several amusing comments from the assembled company.
As she introduced each of the snakes, she gave us a most interesting commentary as she had done on the other reptiles, furthermore she responded most informatively to the many questions asked. Lynn's talk was very well received by all present and, in fact, many queued to ask further questions and stroke a Python after the talk. - No casualties!
Ken Robinson
Reptiles R Us
Is a self-funding rescue. Based in North Hampshire England. They became a rescue in 1996 and work with the RSPCA.
As a rescue are able to re-home, although this is not always possible. In this case the animal will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Too many people buy animals on a whim, not only exotics but also cats, dogs and other animals. Most people know how to look after a cat or dog. Reptiles on the other hand require specialist care. From correct heating to diet. Correct handling of reptiles is also very important, being a wild animal they have many ways of protecting themselves, from a whip of a tail to a scratch or bite.
Dealing with rescued animals we see a lot of neglect. This is nearly always due to ignorance of keeping an exotic pet.
Lynn has been used as a witness in court by the RSPCA in a cruelty case against an Iguana. This resulted in the owner being banned from keeping all animals, a fine, and a criminal record.
Burmese pythons are another problem for us as a female can grow up to 18'(6m). They require large homes and take several people to handle them.
Pete & Lynn
