Why Cuddles isn’t a threat to you or to Malta’s wildlife

Cuddles sits on Chris McGowan’s arm, peering around curiously, as his keeper speaks about the importance of proper reptile care and the dangers of releasing reptilian pets into the wild. The two-year old Burmese python is one of Mr McGowan’s non-venomous reptile pets. He takes care of snakes that range from boa constrictors to corn snakes, geckos and terrapins (turtle species). Mr McGowan is one of the founders of a new group called the Malta Herpetological Society set up to promote the conservation of local wild reptiles and raise awareness about their responsible ownership. The society endorses caging standards, escape-prevention protocols and control of alien species. “If they are let into the wild, chances are these creatures would end up dying. There should be no fear of them attacking people as they would probably run away. “But the most important thing is that we don’t want them to be released in the wild because we don’t want to introduce any alien species. We are all about conserving and protecting the local species. Last thing we want to do is endanger any of the Maltese species,” he said, as Cuddles rested its head on his daughter’s shoulder. He noted that it was...