Why are people so scared of a ball python bite?

[EvesFriend]

I have been bitten several times and it is really more of an itch than anything else. I'm not going to go stick my hand in the cage and try and get bit or anything but it really isn't sometime to be deathly afraid of. The fast movement of the snake is startling but the bite itself really doesn't hurt all that much; yet I know people who act like if they get bit they are going to die. What is the deal?

[Vypyrz]

I think it is the fear of getting bit by a venomous snake that is ingrained in our psyche from a young age. Even though we know they aren't venomous, the fear is still there until it happens, then you realize that other things hurt far worse, like cat claws, puppy teeth and tattoos...

[CoolioTiffany]

For those who misunderstand snakes, they exaggerate(sp?) a bite to be more hurtful than it really is, even though they have never been bitten in their lifetime.

Although, for some of us snake keepers, getting bit is more of a not-so-often thing so we tend to be a little more frightful of being bit. As they say, the strike is more shocking than the bite.

For more experienced keepers and hobbyists, they find a bite to be nothing even if they haven't been bitten a several amount of times.

Some people are more careless and get bit more often (careless meaning they make the mistake more often than a precautious person would).

But, most find it to just be a bite and get on with their lives.

[EvesFriend]

I think it is the fear of getting bit by a venomous snake that is ingrained in our psyche from a young age. Even though we know they aren't venomous, the fear is still there until it happens, then you realize that other things hurt far worse, like cat claws, puppy teeth and tattoos...

I agree, that and just the general survival instinct to be alert for danger. Just like if someone walks quickly into a room, you naturally will at least glance.

And as far as the pain, it's like getting a shot at the doctor. More anxiety caused by fear than actual rationality. Great, dude.

[CoolioTiffany]

I think it is the fear of getting bit by a venomous snake that is ingrained in our psyche from a young age. Even though we know they aren't venomous, the fear is still there until it happens, then you realize that other things hurt far worse, like cat claws, puppy teeth and tattoos...

This reminded me: Some people do have an instinct that they cannot help, like being scared of snakes and not willing to get bitten. I guess as generations and evolution go humans have some instinct of thinking "Snakes are bad, no touchy! They can kill!", which is understandable.

Edit: You are very right too.. Cat claws HURT! Man I tell ya, when my cat scratched me on the side of my finger.. it unbelievably hurt so bad, and the bleeding wouldn't stop until after 5-6 minutes. This happened more than once too!

[EvesFriend]

This reminded me: Some people do have an instinct that they cannot help, like being scared of snakes and not willing to get bitten. I guess as generations and evolution go humans have some instinct of thinking "Snakes are bad, no touchy! They can kill!", which is understandable.

Word. See my above response.

[17sleep]

Ive only been bitten once in my left hand (my thumb) and it bit me right on both of my vains (top and bottom). The most I felt was the numbing sensation, like anesthetics. It was actually cool knowing the sensation and not being carefull about it, like in the future I'll just ignore it

[EvesFriend]

Ive only been bitten once in my left hand (my thumb) and it bit me right on both of my vains (top and bottom). The most I felt was the numbing sensation, like anesthetics. It was actually cool knowing the sensation and not being carefull about it, like in the future I'll just ignore it

This is exactly why I require all my friends to get voluntarily bitten by my snake before they hold it; so they won't fear it anymore. Then once bitten, I point and laugh at them. It makes for great Saturday nights.

[blackcrystal22]

I don't know about you...

But I personally would rather not get bitten by anything. Bugs, mice, dog, cat, snakes... doesn't matter.

[17sleep]

btw do any of you know how to instigate the snake into attacking?