“These Animals should not be in schools- the children should go to the Animals to learn more about them - and our Earth.”

“Not our experience at all with beardies but as there are 8 different species of them that may explain it.”

“Adult Bearded Dragons have a little over 300 teeth in the mouth. Unlike the Iguana whose teeth point slightly backward into the mouth, Bearded dragons teeth point toward the opposite jaw.”

“they have two kinds of teeth. The side teeth are fused to their jaw, and are permanent. These are used for chewing up vegetables. Then they have front teeth that grow back and fall out all the time, that are used for grasping and tearing. It is always interesting to keep an eye on your Bearded Dragon's front teeth and see what stage they are on, whether they are gone or just growing back”

“I agree about the Anaconda, fast and dangerous for sure. However, your slightly wrong about bearded dragons, I too keep them along with other reptiles, amphibians and exotics and this is taken from Care of Bearded Dragon Care Sheet (Pogona vitticeps) Many lizards are known for having a strong jaw and sharp teeth. Bearded Dragons have unusual teeth. Their front teeth fall out and grow back regularly. These teeth are used, "for grasping and tearing live prey" (Grenard, Steve). Their side teeth are permanent, and are fused to their jaws. The side teeth are used for chewing vegetable matter. Many lizards are known for having a strong jaw and sharp teeth. Bearded Dragons have unusual teeth. Their front teeth fall out and grow back regularly. These teeth are used, "for grasping and tearing live prey" (Grenard, Steve). Their side teeth are permanent, and are fused to their jaws. The side teeth are used for chewing vegetable matter.”

“The anaconda in the shop is green and mean. If he grows to his full size they'd better count the kids in and out the shop.
By the way, beardies don't have teeth, my wife used to keep them. They actually have ridged gums with serrated projections that are part of the jaw itself to chew their food.”

“Although the Chili Rose the most handled of all the Tarantuala's is by far the better, it does as you you flick hairs if wind, spit, voices from people close, or when feeling stressed. As an irritant and can be flicked into the eyes, onto hands, face etc, then it is not the best to be handled. Also, if any sudden movements, the spider will most usually "tag" you. The same for the boa, if the snake feels nervous, is not at the right temp or humidity, not feeding as the royal python are fussy eaters, if the snake is not or has just sloughed. Being tagged by a snake can be a frightening experience for many if they have never handled such reptiles. The Anaconda, it depends on the species, is it a green or yellow anaconda? Both are fast, but one of the species does not grow as big nor be known to. Bearded Dragons do have small teeth but I have never heard or seen anyone being bitten, let alone being "tagged" by one.”

“There's a brilliant pet store in Ross on Wye where you can handle all manner of exotic creatures, Boas and Tarantulas included. Children go there quite frequently and not one has ever been harmed. A Tarantula is highly unlikely to bite but it can flick hairs from it's abdomen which is no fun if you catch it in the eye. The Boa is only dangerous if it hasn't fed for a while and only then if it can anchor it's tail onto something solid and coil. They really are intensely beautiful.
The shop also has an 8ft Anaconda that no-one in their right mind would handle, that snake is a totally different kettle of fish. Again it's beautiful but only when it's behind glass. When it's full grown it'll be around 20ft and the same weight as the average scrum half !
The bearded dragon is easy to handle but will "bite" if it's stressed even though it has no teeth as such. The main risk with any reptile is the presence of salmonella in their systems and the unwary can get quite ill by not adopting strict hygiene rules after handling them.
The shop is well worth a visit, look it up on the net.”

“Taking exotic animals into the Forest!?
Just lucky it wasn't another Bear!”

“Without doubt,that snake is beautiful.”