That's along the lines of what I was thinking. Definitely stress would be the first issue practically.

Another thought I had, heat from a hot spot under a hide would likely build up over a period of time while the snake is sitting on it, but heat from handling would not heat the snake since it would dissipate more/not raise above the initial levels from your skin due to lack of a hide insulating the air around the snake. Or.. a snake wouldn't get as hot even on identical temps, hot spot vs skin & handling, since it would cool via it's back and sides.

@SDA - I'm not sure how accurate the temp guns are on skin, but hands/arms measured in the 93-98 degree range when I was testing out mine on my fiance and I who had been inside a while + healthy back when I bought it. So, the higher than 90-92 temps still sound possible/likely to me without being sick.

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