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Snake Question

22 15:33:37

Question
I want to get a snake. Either a garter or grass snake. My mom thinks that when ones held or handled it spits or drools a smelly substance. She thinks it's one or the other and I was just wondering if she has anything to worry about or if it's true.

Answer
Hey Sara

Your mother is right about the Garter snake. It does indeed emit a smelly substance when it feels threatened. I personally have never had one do this to me, but it is a possibility. There are also restrictions in some states on whether pet shops can carry them, so it might take some searching depending on where you live. I cannot carry any kind of Garter in Oregon.
http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/snakes/snk2776.html

The one I prefer since they calm down and become handleable quite easily, is the Ribbon snake. They are very similar to the garter snake, but are in general easier to tame down in my experience. They too can give off the smelly odor, but I have never had one do that to me. They eat a variety of insects and have a particular taste for goldfish and minnows.
http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/snakes/snk5968.html

In either case, the snake in the beginning could become freaked out and poop on you. This is completely normal and part of the taming process. If you want to avoid this, find a pet shop that has already tamed them down and can show you a few that are not trying to get away and are not going to the bathroom on them. :)