Has a bp ever killed or severely injured any person newborn to 100 years old.

[3skulls]

It's the same thing with spiders and bugs. I think it's not knowing or understanding the animal that leads to fear.

[bradthebanker]

I just think that they think wild and captive breed are the same cause it's a snake in general. I told them there is no difference between wild cats and dogs vs wild snakes. Anything wild can kill you faster than a captive raised. But they don't listen to me I'm the oddball that wants a exotic pet and it's not normal around here to have pet snakes. Ohh well if they don't like it don't come around. And I've told them a cat scratch is 10 times worse than a snake bite. And they say cats and dogs font carry salmonella. But I know that's rare and not even fatal to us.

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[RoseyReps]

I just think that they think wild and captive breed are the same cause it's a snake in general. I told them there is no difference between wild cats and dogs vs wild snakes. Anything wild can kill you faster than a captive raised. But they don't listen to me I'm the oddball that wants a exotic pet and it's not normal around here to have pet snakes. Ohh well if they don't like it don't come around. And I've told them a cat scratch is 10 times worse than a snake bite. And they say cats and dogs font carry salmonella. But I know that's rare and not even fatal to us.

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You have a much higher (though still incredibly low) chance of getting salmonella from licking the cake batter off a spoon (we've all done it, I let my kids do it...horrible mother i am) than from holding a snake. Don't let your kids lick the snakes cloaca or eat its feces. I trust my big girl normal BP with my kids more than my cat. Not that I allow unsupervised contact with either, but the cat roams the house. She has scratched both of my girl at least twice, and batted at them more than that.

It is drilled in our heads to be fearful of snakes because of multiple reasons. Never approach a wild snake, it could be poisonous. (I was raised with that) once I was older (10 or so) it changed to never approach a wild snake you cannot identify without a shadow of a doubt.

Another fear trigger is the religious stand point, Christianity drums into peoples minds that snakes are evil. Devil in disguise etc.

Evolutionary stand point, be wary of snakes, some have the ability to kill you, therefore be wary of all (animal brain reaction).

All you can do is try to educate them about the facts. With some it will work, given enough time, with others it will never work. Just depends on the person.

My husband was anti snake when we met. We now have 3 (soon 4) ball pythons. And he gets upset when people talk down about snakes.

People can learn, change, and accept. Not all, but a lot of them. As long as you offer to teach in a mellow fashion, and never "surprise" teach them by pulling out a snake unexpectedly. Good luck, I hope at least part of your family is able and willing to learn.

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Double post, oops!

[OctagonGecko729]

I agree with everything Tiffany said , the universalization of snakes as being potentially deadly from a evolutionary standpoint is one of the deciding factors in being able to live long enough to reproduce. Which is also why some folks have a universal fear of spiders, sharks, lions, tigers, and bears.....oh my.

[ewaldrep]

My daughter has a bp of her own and she turns 5 in two weeks. She has been asking me for one for over a year and I finally broke down. She named her moonlight and likes to take her out to read with us at night time. Her cage in in her room and she helps take care of her, feed her, and wants to breed her one day. The way I see it, she is a baby snake and not able to do major damage, even if she wrapped around her neck and tried with all her baby bp might! That is of course, a extremely unlikely event in the first place. If he enjoys them and you think he will be able to participate in caring for the snake I would say to go for it. Even if he loses interest, it's not like you aren't already established with a collection that could absorb another bp

[BillinIndiana]

Sounds like your sister needs a Hobby...... unless judging you IS​ her hobby

[bradthebanker]

Yeah my boy just turned 5 today actually and when he is with me or his grandmother he always wants to see the snakes and holds them and I feel 100% safe when he is holding it. My mother is getting more used to it the more I explain it to her that it's a good pet otherwise they wouldn't be a beginner snake or be sold in every pet store.

[kitedemon]

I don't believe that any royal has harmed a human in a serious manor. I would suggest that a small child be allowed to have a large female royal around the neck unsupervised either. I would also say the same for dog or cat, well basically any animal, kids bite. The risk is minimal to insignificant.

[bradthebanker]

My sister has given my nephew leopard gecko's and frogs and don't have a problem with them but idk I grew up with her and never won a fight with her yet ..lol.. So y do I even try with this subject. People can judge me all they want for my hobby but I don't care what they think.

[bradthebanker]

My sister sent me this link and still is on my case about my ball pythons

http://abcnews.go.com/news/t/blogEntry?id=16733546