Now I know how there are so many scar-having snakes out there. People who feed live have no real control over what the rodent does after the snake grabs it. it could be biting into the inside of the snake's mouth, or its head, or neck.
At least when I used to feed live, I would whack the mouse first to make sure it couldn't bite. I have gotten bitten by mice and rats, and all I can say is, it was 100 times worse than any snake bite I ever got! The worst bite I ever got actually came from a small mouse hopper. It still hurts me to type with that finger. :blushes:
I would bet the farm that one of their snakes has been bitten and maybe even developed mouthrot.