Quote:
Originally Posted by mpgt
I have no experience with lizards, but the more I learn about snakes, the more I believe the following:
Not all, but most unpleasant encounters are caused by the person involved, not the snake. I think the snake is reacting to either inadequate living conditions, a feeding response due to something we control, or some other type of stress we can learn to predict and prevent. I have anecdotal evidence that snakes can sense something in people, that creates a response. It's like they have a "sixth sense" and either they connect with you or they don't. I don't know exactly how, but I suspect your attitude towards the snake has something to do with whether they bite you or not.
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I've noticed this a bit with mine. Whenever I have a friend holding them that is inexperienced with snakes, they inevitable act a lot more nervous and flighty, rather than just sitting or moving calmly the way they would for me or my husband. Some say it's because they can feel the tension in your muscles if you're nervous, and it makes them feel less secure. Or that they get to know your scent, and know that they're safe with you, and a new smell makes them a little more on guard. I suspect it's a bit of both. I know when I see someone unfamiliar with snakes handling one I can pick out a bunch of ways they move and handle the snake differently then I would. Things like hand movement and such. I think little things that you pick up from experience make a big difference. Of course even the most expert snake handlers get bitten sometimes, so I guess it's not a failsafe.
I could just be imagining things, but it makes sense to me.
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