Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany
Consider that most colubrids are technically venomous - does that change your theory?
There are defined categories of animal aggression:
(1) Instrumental Aggression - aggression that has been reinforced via learning. For example you go in to grab your snake and he bites you. You withdraw your hand. He learns that this behavior can be rewarded by you leaving him alone.
(2) Territorial aggression - when an animal attacks something that enters it's territory.
(3) Maternal aggression - a female animal, while protecting her young, acts aggresively.
(4) Predatory aggression - when an animal actively tracks and attacks prey.
(5) Irritation-Induced Aggression - Self-explanatory - no?
(6) Inter-Male Agggression - Occurs when another competing male is present.
(7) Fear-Induced Aggression - When flight isn't successful, fight is utilized. Some animals will skimp on the flight part, however.
Out of these seven examples, ask youself how many apply to snakes. Once you pare down the list, then ask which ones can be eliminated by handling and which ones can never be changed or altered.
After you've done that, re-evaluate your opening statement.
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