by Herpetologist » Mon Jun 21, 2010 8:31 pm
Ok, then Bv please explain to me if a snouted cobra bit another snouted cobra, why would the invenomated snouted cobra die? How did your copperhead die?
Again generally speaking, snakes are NOT immune to venom - their own or another snake's. If a venomous snake bit its own tail, it would die. If a venomous snake bit another of its own species, the bitten snake would die. This is why, when venomous snakes fight, they do so by rearing up and 'wrestling' with each other, rather than biting. A species which goes around killing members of its own kind all the time generally doesn't last very long. There are certain snake species, for example the kingsnake, which have some degree of resistance to venom, probably developed over millions of years due to their habit of preying on venomous snakes, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
I must point out that venom is deadly only when injected into the bloodstream. It can be ingested with no ill effects - indeed, the venom of venomous snakes actually aids digestion by beginning to break the prey down even before it is swallowed. Also, the snake's venom is carried in its venom glands, and flows down a duct into the fangs when the snake bites. It does not come into contact with any other part of the body - it is not freely circulating around the snake's system.
Not arguing here, just want to find the CORRECT answer or maybe there is no correct answer YET.
Thanx, Daniel.
I always keep a supply of stimulant handy in case I see a snake, which I also keep handy.
W. C. Fields