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[AustHerps]

I have a question... On exactly what day did this happen?

You see, only a couple of days ago, I had the pleasure of being lectured by Jonno on handling and responsibility. I didn't appreciate that he suggested that I'm an incompetent keeper. He was quick to state that he was "one of the few" people who could claim to have the "title" of never receiving a bite (on a technicality, but we won't mention the P. colletti tooth that he managed to be envenomated by). A tad arrogant I thought, but hey, I wore it. I just want to know... was that statement true? Had you never received a 'bite' from a venomous snake? Or did this bite occur the very day after I was privileged enough to receive the lecture from a man with such a prestigious title?

You suggest that handling in a shopping centre is uncontrolled, and that that is a mitigating factor in the bite you received. When I juxtapose a shopping centre to the bush, I see many similarities - unpredictable noises, rough terrains and obstructions, etc. Yet I fail to see other people receiving tags and suggesting that the bush was a mitigating factor. Bottom line is - know the scenario you're in - no ifs or buts.

All bites are avoidable, yes. And no one deserves one (nor do the families of those who receive them).
But good comes from all that's bad. In this case, I can only hope that reality kicks in.

Cheers,
Aaron.