I received a response from the BSA. Their proposed “solution” to the merit badge problem makes the requirement even worse. Here is the whole email I received. “Dear Ms. Halvorsen- Thank you for writing in about the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge. I assure you that all communications received at merit.badge@scouting.org are appropriately considered and a petition is really not necessary. Our task force greatly appreciates all suggestions that are sent. As you noted, Scouts as asked to complete one of two options for requirement 8; Option A allows for a Scout to keep and care for a reptile or amphibian. When the pamphlet is next printed, we plan to add a footnote which will read, "When you decide you no longer want to keep your specimin, be sure to release it back into the wild or find another appropriate home for it”. It would not be reasonable for us to insist Scouts keep a pet for an extended period time. I hope this address your concerns. None the less, some of your suggestions are very interesting and our team will review and consider how some of your ideas might be incorporated into the badge. Thank you again. Yours in Scouting, Scott Berger | Chairman Merit Badge Maintenance Task Force” I think you all agree with me on the following: 1. Scouts should not be collecting wild specimens. 2. If specimens are collected from the wild, they should never be released. Captive specimens are exposed to pathogens through human contact that could devastate wild populations. 3. There is absolutely nothing unreasonable about asking a scout to make a commitment to care for a pet for the animal’s entire lifespan. I had hoped this petition would result in more responsible practices. Instead, it seems to be promoting environmental and ethical harm to the scout and the animal involved. This fight is not over. Please continue to share and support this petition until the BSA changes their irresponsible stance on pet ownership. Keep up the Good Work, Melissa