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dry bites?
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by Puma3 on July 18, 2007
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In the case of a defensive bite, why are some dry bites and others potentially fatal envenomations?
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RE: dry bites?
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by Jahon on July 18, 2007
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Depends on the mood of the snake. An angry snake that has been messed with usually injects more venom.
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RE: dry bites?
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by Crotalusssp on July 19, 2007
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A snake depending upon its degree of agitation or fear for its life, and many times depending upon its species deliver higher or lower volumes of venom. It is true that young snakes lack the control on an older specimen. A snake uses its venom as a hunter would use a bullet. The snake for example will have a sac of venom, much like a hunter would have a box of shells. The snake, unlike the hunter can not go and buy more bullets or a meal at a restaurant if it is unsuccessful in a kill. Venom costs energy and time to create. If a hunter had a limited supply of bullets and had to take time to make more when he/she ran out, they would be much more careful at when and how they fired their gun. A snake is no different than a hunter who has to make their own bullets. If a snake believes it can escape a predator without using any ammunition, that is less time it will have to spend making more in the future where it may be the difference between getting a meal and missing a meal. Hope this little analogy helps.
Charles
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