local pet shop.

[adamanteus]

Lulu....your local pet shop allowed a complete novice to walk in off the street and stroke a cobra? Are you sure? I think someone might be kidding with you there!

[Lulu Bennett]

Lulu....your local pet shop allowed a complete novice to walk in off the street and stroke a cobra? Are you sure? I think someone might be kidding with you there!

i dont know but i was quite chuffed!

[enigma200316]

I'm not an expert but I didn't think there was a Cobra or a snake in the Cobra family that didn't pose a danger if bitten

[drache]

I'm not an expert but I didn't think there was a Cobra or a snake in the Cobra family that didn't pose a danger if bitten

from what I understand, those snake charmer guys in India get bitten all the time and develop tolerance pretty quickly
I'm assuming they only have opportunity to develop immunity, because the first bite doesn't kill them
so I imagine, it's not the most deadly venom there is
of course this sort of occupation runs in families and perhaps there is some genetic immunity as well

[adamanteus]

from what I understand, those snake charmer guys in India get bitten all the time and develop tolerance pretty quickly
, it's not the most deadly venom there is
of course this sort of occupation runs in families and perhaps there is some genetic immunity as well

An immunity to snake venom cannot develop in humans, quite the opposite.... numerous 'minor' bites over a period of time actually make us more vulnerable. As Stefan says, the 'trick' is to rip the fangs out, sew the mouth shut and, more recently, to surgically remove (or laser) the venom glands. Nice.

[Stefan-A]

An immunity to snake venom cannot develop in humans, quite the opposite.... numerous 'minor' bites over a period of time actually make us more vulnerable.

I had completely forgotten about that.

[CrazyHedgehog]

it wasn't a 'false' cobra (Malpolon moilensis) was it? looks the same, venemous but harless to humans?

[drache]

An immunity to snake venom cannot develop in humans, quite the opposite.... numerous 'minor' bites over a period of time actually make us more vulnerable. As Stefan says, the 'trick' is to rip the fangs out, sew the mouth shut and, more recently, to surgically remove (or laser) the venom glands. Nice.

okay
I'm confused
I do remember seeing a documentary that indicated that some of these guys are genuine and do develop tolerance
also there was a guy who milks snakes (venom for anti-venom) and he acquired tolerance for a large number of snake venoms by systematically injecting himself with small doses, starting with a relatively mild venom and adding in others over time
he said that it doesn't give him immunity, but a lesser severity of response when he does get bitten
I wouldn't venture to guess what sort of side effects a regular administration of mixed venoms would have on one's liver and renal system, but he looked pretty healthy

[Lulu Bennett]

lol Rhea that sounds pretty messed up if you ask me lol
it could have been a false cobra i guess and i have just heared cobra lol sounds like something i would do but i was still pretty chuffed i saw a hog nose lol.
Oh and as james said if i thought i was being bullied i would have bullied back lol as you have probably noticed i can bite back and sometimes just because i have taken it the wrong way lol but i know you guys are just trying to educate me so i am not as gulibule next time lol