lol. I knew of this since 5th grade. Had a teacher who was really into reptiles who bred snakes. I caught a whole bunch but let them all go. It was just fun catching them with my lil bros.
I used to own a garter snake. It never bit me and never showed aggression. I handled it freely, didnt even think for a second that I could be bit and may have a reaction.
Amazing It also makes me remenbar that paper that stated that many lizards have venom in its saliva and venon delivering bites. Aparently that rash and bleding that happened to me when I was bitten by lizards was not only caused by the sharp teeth This paper showed that iguanids, agamids and varanids all have this. Will try to find the paper
I got a pretty good bite from a T. s. parietalis the other day.
Lil guy didnt wanna let go. Was in my neighbors storm cellar and they called me over to ask if i could get him out.
I then picked him up with ease and showed that they were not dangerous and told them that they are not dangerous.
Yeah them being venomoids is ollllllddd news to me.
I was bitten once and got a nasty infection, but I don't think I took any venom. Nasty time though, little finger bite -> swelling, pain, streaking up to my shoulder.
I wonder if Nerodia (water snakes) are venomous too? They're certainly more willing biters...
Lol, I was just going to mention that. I believe I heard about them being venomous before I ever heard about Garters. But it would make sense because they're very closely related.