Do you ask if an exotic pet reptile was captive bred or taken from the wild?

I would tend to agree with your statement about knowing where your pet came from and buying exotic ones from licensed dealers. In order to do this means you have a license to own that exotic reptile.

On the other hand if your pet is going to be a common garter snake or salamander, or lizard, as long as it is not a protected species then it is fine to get it from the wild. Many people catch local reptiles, keep them a spell, and let them go free again. It is a easy way to learn the proper care of a reptile, plus knowing if you are unable to care for it, it can be let loose back into the wilds, where it was found.