i dropped my baby ball... i feel horrible

[Warren_Booth]

Snakes don't so much have a conscience but they can make the connection between good behavior and getting what they want.

As an evolutionary biologist I don't believe that for a minute. The reason the snake struck is purely defensive (i.e. it felt threatened). Nothing at all to do with getting what it wants. By handling your animal frequently many will not associate as a threat, however if you turn around and grab it aggressively, it doesn't matter how tame this animal is, it will likely respond with a strike. Why, because it felt threatened.

Regarding the snake that was dropped. Depending on how it landed, from what height, and onto what surface, will all affect the outcome. high, on a hard surface, on it belly can result in the tips of ribs being broken, on its side, may resulting mid rib fractures or breaks, whereas on its back may result in spinal damage. If it feel only a foot or so, then it is unlikely to have caused any damage.

Warren