How many times have you been bitten?

[nightwolfsnow]

I just got bit taking my first bp, and first pet snake, out of his shipping packaging XD. In his defense his delivery got delayed by around seven hours so I'm sure he was pretty stressed. He's only a 2015, probably still afraid of getting eaten too. Plus I was all anxious, couldn't sleep last night because I was afraid I would sleep through he door bell, and then I was stressing about when he was going to arrive. He actually let me stroke him a bit. But when I went to pick him up to weigh him he struck me. It didn't hurt at all, startled me pretty bad. I think it might just be instinctual to fear the bite, or a culture thing. Like about the cats, we're pretty used to getting bit by cats and its not really scary when it actually hurts a lot more than a snake bite. Personally, this being my first snake, it'll probably just take time to get desensitized to it. I'm not at all afraid of snakes, but a lot of people around us are and I think that influences us more than we realize.

[squatsnstilettos]

a large, angry iguana can ruin your week.

No doubt. There is a large one named Gizmo at the reptile store I go to. He's huge, gorgeous and has a tail on him that looks like I can slice right through you.

[squatsnstilettos]

I just got bit taking my first bp, and first pet snake, out of his shipping packaging XD. In his defense his delivery got delayed by around seven hours so I'm sure he was pretty stressed. He's only a 2015, probably still afraid of getting eaten too. Plus I was all anxious, couldn't sleep last night because I was afraid I would sleep through he door bell, and then I was stressing about when he was going to arrive. He actually let me stroke him a bit. But when I went to pick him up to weigh him he struck me. It didn't hurt at all, startled me pretty bad. I think it might just be instinctual to fear the bite, or a culture thing. Like about the cats, we're pretty used to getting bit by cats and its not really scary when it actually hurts a lot more than a snake bite. Personally, this being my first snake, it'll probably just take time to get desensitized to it. I'm not at all afraid of snakes, but a lot of people around us are and I think that influences us more than we realize.

I totally agree and now understand why people fear snakes. Many are harmless, but their strike is so powerful it freaks the daylights out you. My guinea pig almost took my thumb off once, yet I did not fear handling him again. Strange how the mind works.

I'm sorry your baby had a stressful trip to you. Hopefully he's settling in ok. Enjoy your new snake!

[nightwolfsnow]

I totally agree and now understand why people fear snakes. Many are harmless, but their strike is so powerful it freaks the daylights out you. My guinea pig almost took my thumb off once, yet I did not fear handling him again. Strange how the mind works.

I'm sorry your baby had a stressful trip to you. Hopefully he's settling in ok. Enjoy your new snake!

He seems to be settling in well. He doesn't hiss or strike at the glass when you look at him. Either gets curious and looks at you closer flicking his tongue or turns his head back around in his hide. So he's clearly not an aggressive snake, just needs to get comfortable with me.

[John1982]

I like to put a positive spin on things. I get kissed by snakes daily this time of year. I don't count it as a bite unless they hold on or wrap. I only get bitten a couple times a year and it's always a feeding error.

[JoshSloane]

Tagged five times today by the same snake...five to six times yesterday...five to six the day before...and before that..and before that...

[Kayak Steve]

I have met countless people that will gladly walk right up to a large dog and pet, hug, and kiss it but are scared witless of a harmless snake. I can only guess at what goes through some people's heads?

[JoshSloane]

I have met countless people that will gladly walk right up to a large dog and pet, hug, and kiss it but are scared witless of a harmless snake. I can only guess at what goes through some people's heads?

Humans have an evolutionary predisposition to fear snakes and spiders, amongst other animals. Being fearful of venomous and dangerous species gave you a selective advantage in our ancient past. Combine that now with social stigmas, media biases and sensationalized news stories, and it is a recipe for widespread fear and hatred.

Although I absolutely believe in educating and exposing people to snakes as a tool to quell fears, sometimes it is impossible to do so.

Admittedly I am horrifically scared of spiders and all bugs to be honest. Every reptile expo that I go to I cant stand seeing the invertebrates. I literally cant come within ten feet of one. I have tried a dozen times to bring myself to touch a spider, but cant do it.

Point is that some people will never ever be able to like or even tolerate snakes. Best we can do is work to conserve our hobby and help those that want to participate do so.

[erich_7719]

Twice by a Berm, a few from a corn, and to many to count from one of my BP's. I think he was miss handled before I got him though.

[squatsnstilettos]

I like to put a positive spin on things. I get kissed by snakes daily this time of year. I don't count it as a bite unless they hold on or wrap. I only get bitten a couple times a year and it's always a feeding error.

Great spin on this! Seshat does indeed give kisses. She likes to lick me and will even do so on my lips so maybe this was just another one of her kisses.