Photos Of Animals With People

Discussion in 'Photos & Video' started by Tony Page, May 10, 2022.

  1. Tony Nathanson

    Tony Nathanson Very Well-Known Member
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    I'm surprised because Pit Vipers in the U.S.(which include the Rattlesnake, Copperhead & Water Mocassin) are easy to recognize by the head that is larger than the neck. (Note the head & neck on the harmless Gopher Snake I'm holding; they are the same diameter). The lady is fortunate that the Rattlesnake was a baby - smaller venom glands - & also that Timber Rattlesnakes have less toxic venom than other species.
     
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  2. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    I had heard the opposite...that the adult snakes will strike to get you to back off but will not dump all their venom, because you are not a prey animal. The younger ones have yet to master control over their venom glads so will dump 100%. But I have no idea how that might be measured.

    And I agree regarding the ID. Funny how someone who is comfortable handling snakes made such a goof.
     
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  3. Tony Nathanson

    Tony Nathanson Very Well-Known Member
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    I've heard about the baby snakes dumping all their venom, too & I keep reading that's a big myth. I think it's a myth because I understand how the venom delivery system works. There is a compressor muscle surrounding each venom gland & when a venomous snake bites down, that muscle automatically squeezes the gland, forcing the venom through a duct & through the hollow fang, out the hole at the end & into the wound. I don't think a snake can control the amount of venom; the gland just empties. The amount of venom delivered depends on the size of the snake & whether or not the snake ate recently, which means it used its venom on its prey. upload_2024-9-5_22-42-51.png
     
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  4. Tony Nathanson

    Tony Nathanson Very Well-Known Member
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    As for snakes being calm when handled gently, this guy raises venomous snakes (to make antivenom) & he handles them without any safety equipment. I'd never handle a venomous snake, BTY:
     
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