local pet shop.

[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

[Stefan-A]

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

Well, in addition to the usual tricks of cutting out the fangs on a regular basis and sewing the snake's mouth shut.

[adamanteus]

apparently with this type the venom was not strong enough to cause serious damage. and also that a licence wasn't needed to keep one. he said that the bite from that would be like a bee sting.

Then it wasn't a Cobra Lulu, all Elapids require a Dangerous Wild Animals Licence, and all Cobras are dangerously venomous. Sorry, Lou, sounds like it was something else!

[Stefan-A]

Maybe it was a Coluber najadum.

[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?

[adamanteus]

I suspect it might have been Hydrodynastes gigas. You do see those in the pet trade occasionally. Despite the 'common name' they are not related to the cobras.

[enigma200316]

I just wanted to say sorry Lulu, it sounds kinda like an attack against you, but don't take it that way, its more like an education......

[adamanteus]

It certainly isn't an attack! Why would we? We're merely pointing out a few facts. Anyway, I've met Lulu...trust me, she can stick up for herself!