Survival Instincts Remembered

[ConcinusMan]

I know the post is kinda old but I wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

I think that's a reaction to feeling vulnerable. For whatever reason, when you set scar down, he didn't feel safe. When you picked him up, he did feel safe. No mystery there. You also have to remember he probably couldn't see you all that well. I get the impression that many garters really don't see very well, but they do see motion, and of course, if you're feeling vulnerable, and you're a snake, you'll take defensive maneuvers against anything that moves. About the tongue going crazy.. unfamilar surroundings, smells, etc. can incite that feeling of being vulnerable, and so the tongue goes nutso looking for anything familiar and safe.

Could be that his habit of acting the way he did, instead of fleeing, is what earned him those scars! I can only hope that this spring I can end up with a garter pal with such spirit!

[guidofatherof5]

I know the post is kinda old but I wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

I think that's a reaction to feeling vulnerable. For whatever reason, when you set scar down, he didn't feel safe. When you picked him up, he did feel safe. No mystery there. You also have to remember he probably couldn't see you all that well. I get the impression that many garters really don't see very well, but they do see motion, and of course, if you're feeling vulnerable, and you're a snake, you'll take defensive maneuvers against anything that moves. About the tongue going crazy.. unfamilar surroundings, smells, etc. can incite that feeling of being vulnerable, and so the tongue goes nutso looking for anything familiar and safe.

Could be that his habit of acting the way he did, instead of fleeing, is what earned him those scars! I can only hope that this spring I can end up with a garter pal with such spirit!

Scar does have great spirit. He is a unique radix. I feel a great loss when any of my snakes die but when Scar's time comes it will not be welcomed. I'm blessed to have had his company over the last few years. His strong will has taught be to be more patient with all my snakes. The payoff for that patients is a new friend. The old boy and I have got a history and I think we both look forward. to the time we spend together. The other night I took the old man out and let him rest on a heated blanket. It was on high and the old guy melted into it. I sat and watched a movie while he rested. It's so nice getting these guys on this kind of trust level. Worth every moment of time getting there.