Snakes On a Rack

Freud would have a field day!

Fabulous, dahlink.

Snakes are never cute.

mr. slithers here isn’t exactly what you would call a “cat” in racks. or maybe it IS a cat and it’s just prematurely trying out the new halloween costume

higher meaning, Space Cowgirl??

Christine it is a cat who is masquerading as a snake

Eep! Sure hope it isn’t poisonous. And yes, bwahaha@hover text.

stheriouthly sthlithery goodnessth…ththth.

Khadija – I keep having dreams where I’m a famous, fabulously wealthy opera singer living in a billion-dollar tropical mansion, and I have a bright violet-colored snake wrapped around my waist at all times, which is a good and comforting feeling.

Famous, fabulously wealthy, billion-dollar tropical maesion, and pet snake are all as far from the truth as it gets. LOL.

AAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAAAA [gasp] Aaaa…

OK, this is me, ABSTAINING FROM ANY FURTHER COMMENTS under this post. [snerk]

oh man

I went camping and I saw THREE DIFFERENT BABY SNAKES IN THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. Not counting a fourth in the camping… learning centre/gift shop place. And they were the tiniest things with bitty little jaws and they were cute.

They also had no sense of survival since they all thought it was a good idea to sunbathe on a bicycle path, so we coaxed them safely into the bushes.

Space Cowgirl, hope you won’t wake up by the violet-coloured-snake-leecks on your face

Khadija, I wouldn’t mind at all.

Hey, someone already stole the look! Check out Tara Reid in her snake dress. Hmm, someone must check out Cute Overload for fashion tips!

http://popsugar.com/gallery/137858

Isn’t that rather a case for “cute or gross”? Definetely gross. Snakes are not cute. No rule of cuteness ever applied to a snake. Not even the BEF works for snakes.

*shutters* Honestly, now I’m paranoid. I keep checking down my shirt because I keep freaking myself out!

Cute, or low budget creep-out movie?

I guess I’m a little biased b/c I used to have nightmares about snakes in my shirt. :}

Yes, that means I’ve never owned a snake… o well.

Someone get Samuel Jackson because there’s a snake on someone’s b00bs!

Hydrox? Like the cookies?

LOL!

I like king snakes. Used to be scared of ‘em. Then I learned more about them (like how hey can eat Rattlers) and learned how to handle them and it was much better. Wouldn’t stick one in my shirt, though. They always try to go up your arm because it’s warm, but it’s easy to accidentally smoosh them.

Personally, snakes scare me so much they make me cry, even the non-poisonous ones. But even I have to admit this one is very pretty. I think he’d look better on a pair of shoes, though. I’m just saying.

(ducks and covers)

Cats used to be snakes.

http://www.cep.unt.edu/~hargrove/tail.html

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(sounds of ME running from the room)
me not likey snakes. (although pretty)

SO glad to finally see a snake on here! They can definitely be very, very cute, especially when poking their noses out from under a rock, or drinking water, or exploring the inside of a sleeve…SO precious!!

Ah geeze. I love girls who are afraid of snakes–they make me feel less pathetic, haha.

Snakes are awesome. If you grew up being afraid of snakes and spiders and anything supposedly un-girly, then kindly crawl back into the kitchen…and stand on a stool, in case a mouse runs under your feet.

Nyah!

How is this in any way cute?

Since no one else has made the obvious joke, I’ll fill the void.

SNAKES ON A MOTHER****ING RACK!

Me: OY!
Husband, who is Not Fond of snakes: Now that’s just WRONG!

Oh, I love snakes! They are such gorgeous and interesting creatures. I’ve always kinda wanted one but I’m not sure if it’d be a good idea with cats in the house and all.

So I borrow everyone else’s snake. The best was when one curled up on top of my head and put his head down along my cheek cause my hair was so warm from the sun.

Tee hee! That tickles!

Snakes actually feel really cool, very smooth and undulating. Once you get over the feeling of a tail wrapping around your finger/arm/neck.

I’ve only found a snake cute once in my life. (Note, some may find this story sad and a little icky…you’ve been warned.)
I used to live across the street from a pet shop when I was in middle school. One day my brothers and I were walking by and we found a little tiny snake on the sidewalk. He looked like someone had stepped on him and some of his insides were outside. I thought it was sad and pitiful and somehow thought he could survive with some tlc. He was still alive and responsive. So, we scooped him up and took him home.

My mom wouldn’t let me bring him inside and I knew it would be too cold outside for him. I didn’t know what to do, so I got a band aid and put that over his wound and made him a little shelter for the night out of rocks and leaves. I placed him inside and sealed it off with rocks so that no birds or squirrels could get to him. But, sadly, when I checked on him in the morning, he was dead. I was very upset about it.

My brothers, being the boys they are, took the snake when I wasn’t looking and threw it in the road. I was very mad at them. They took weird pleasure in counting the “tons” that rolled over it.

I wonder how the snake got stepped on in the first place.

Annie, that is a cute snake!

And Oakie, every time I go over to SO’s house I hear about that movie. His mom is like “she’s chained to the wal through half the movie!” and his dad is like “it’s only for five minutes!”

They’re hilarious.

If you don’t think snakes are cute, especially baby ones, then I guess you shouldnt look at the pic of my new baby, Fiero.

He is a motley sunglow corn snake:

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/GreenEyedHawk/DSCN9159.jpg

Aaaaaw! Now that is a cute thing if ever I saw one, vastly preferrable to the yappy-yappy type of small bug-eyed dogs…

WOW, CAPITAL LETTER, REALLY, MATURE , WAY TO GET, YOUR POINT ACROSS!

LAME LAME LAME!

snakes are the shit. i’m glad this site tolerates all animals instead of just keeps it to popular cute and preferred animals. way to be tolerant and open to all animals

Ummm….okay….I’m with Theo. I’m hiding and running away and screeching like a little girl (no, that’s offensive to little girls). I understand that these animals might be likeable or even lovable to some. Not me. Scared to death.

Scared.

To.

Death.

Of legless reptiles.

Even in a rack.

Let us never speak of this again.

I think snakes are fabulous creatures. Beautiful and sad that people find them unattractive. I understand being frightened though. Snakes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

If there were to be a picture of a woman, man, child, etc of a huge spider on someone I would be sitting here gagging and shuddering.

Snakes are graceful and can be quite pretty. I get lovely irridecent green garden snakes and black rat snakes in my yard all the time. The only time it made me unhappy is when a BIG rat snake zoomed into my garage and I couldn’t get him out.

GreenEyedHawk, Fiero is cute and absolutely stunning! Lucky you! Oh, how beautiful and delicate! thank you for sharing!

I’m not saying that snakes can’t be cute, but this picture has nothing cute about it.

Alitax better be kidding, because that’s just rude. I’m one of the un-girliest people you’ll ever meet, and just because I’m arachnophobic, I don’t have to “run back into the kitchen.” People can’t help being scared of some things. I’m not afraid of snakes, rats, lizards, mice, heights, or dying, but spiders and scorpions (and most bugs, really) just scare me to the point of screaming. Have some sympathy.

Snakes are lovely. I can’t believe how up in arms people are getting about this.

I can NOT believe someone would let a snake of ANY size or kind slither around in their clothes like that! I would not even faint, I would just keel over dead! Way to creepy for me.

I’m not a big fan of snakes but whatever floats others boats.

I do sympathize with the ones scared of snakes though. I hear ya as a lifelong archnaphobe.

I’m pretty sure (at least I hope) that I’ll never see spiders on this website though – so I think I’m safe.

Red and yellow: Kill a fellow.

White and black: Stick in yer rack!

I think this is a lovely snake, very graceful.

You know, I can’t believe nobody has said this, but here goes:
“I HAVE HAD IT WITH THIS MOFO-IN’ SNAKE IN THIS MOFO-IN’ RACK!”

Warning: Discussion of spiders to follow.

I’m not talking about THIS picture. But I will say that a few weeks ago, I snapped some photos of spiders “making whoopee” in the corner of my bathroom, and a few days later there were teeny, tiny little spiders in mama’s web. Personally, I thought it was adorable (these were the really frail, delicate spiders smaller than the palm of your hand). I was going to send the pictures into Meg, but 1) it was hard to get a great picture and 2) I knew that a lot of people here would simply ’splode (in the bad way). I suppose I could send them to uglyoverload, but I didn’t really consider them ugly and honestly I don’t want to even look at that sight because I’m afraid of what I might see (in terms of there being legless reptiles).

I got no problem with people finding the animal in this photo interesting, cute or beautiful (hey, it’s YOUR eternal soul). I got no problem with people thinking I’m a wuss. I stand by my irrational fear of serpents, octopi and sharks and just stay out of the woods and out of the water.

Theo – I didn’t think you were not really moderating. I just thought you would like it if you were referred to as a cat.

There is a petting zoo in my home town that has a large python that the staff will “wear” about and allow visitors to pet and take the opportunity to educate folks on them. This snake most often gets a reaction of eww and shudders from parents and even (seriously what IS the world coming to?) kids. I usta catch snakes as a kid just to feel them writhe about my wrist and then let them go. So when I saw the staffer walking around with the snake as accessory I was “Cool! Can I film you?” She was very surprised with my glee. Not a typical reaction, which is why the snake was donated to the zoo in the first place. If it weren’t for having to feed it small critters I wuldn’t mind having a snake pet, but we’ve got our hands full as it is anyhoo.

This picture should definitely be placed under the Gee-ross! header. Not that snakes can’t be valued and loved members of the family. Just not my family. However, little lizards are cute. Different strokes.

Okay, all these remarks, both pro and con snake, have brought out the part of me that is something of a jewelry and mythology nerd. I mean, jewelry is where my passion lies, as far as making a living goes, and mythology has been a fascination of mine nearly as long as jewelry has been, aaaannnndddd, let’s not discuss how many years that’s been, okay? I will admit to being a new grandmother and that is the extent of it…

HOWEVER…I’ve handled snakes and other reptiles and they are dry skinned, soft and smooth as silk and any of them that are not trying to bite you because you’ve annoyed or threatened them are generally a delight to hold. Just MHO. My sons have found me to be a wonderful mother, in that regard.

As regards the snake as a creature of mythology, when one gets past the darker aspects ascribed to them, the serpent is seen as a symbol of healing. Two snakes were the healing companions and assistants of the first physician of Greek mythology and intertwined snakes remain a symbol of medicine to this day.

Snakes were also seen as symbols of fertility, sensuality and sexuality for mileneum (sic), leading to it finally being regarded as a symbol of love. Queen Victoria herself, supposedly the originater of all that was prudish in nineteenth century English society, wore an engagement ring given to her by her beloved Prince Albert, made in the form of a yellow gold serpent set with an emerald, her birthstone. (The diamond engagement ring is a product of 20th century advertisements.) The prince also designed and had made many pieces of jewelry for her made with serpents included in their designs. My memory is likely faulty in this, but I think I remember reading somewhere that he gave her a serpent bracelet that she wore for the rest of her life, but I may have that confused with her engagement ring. Or she may have worn both. I put nothing past that woman in regard to her passion for her beloved prince. (Come on, folks, She produced NINE children. They were not all the product of “duty to God and England”, for heaven’s sake!)

Anyway, snakes are pretty neat, as a whole, and many of them are proof that God makes prettier jewels than Man can ever hope to. And if Theo and/or Meg regard this post as too long, I will understand completely. Trim it down or delete it, as you feel the need. I love you and C.O. You are a terrific aid to a person prone to clinical depression. Maybe put this little essay up in place of a photographic entry, in defense of our slithery friends everywhere.

Okay I’m breaking down and have to comment. I come here multiple times a day but had vowed never to comment due to ’nuffs. That being said I would like to interject a couple of things. I grew up being scared **itless of snakes and reptile because one day my uncle had killed some rattlers in his yard and put them in a box. He told me they were alive and shook them so it sounded like they were alive. Anyways when I was peeking in the box he had it rigged so if I tried to open the lid flew open and the snakes popped up. Scared the CRAP out of me and I couldn’t even look at pictures for years. Six years ago I moved into a house that had a red-tail. She was the most pathetic, malnourished, sickly thing I had ever seen. It was horrid. I felt so bad I started taking care of her. When I moved out I took her with me and for the first few months I couldnt even touch her she scared me so much. I worked my fears through and herping is a passion for me know. Athena the snake is now over 9 ft long and about 45 lbs. She is the sweetest thing ever and has the best personality. I can totally understand if you have a fear of something, bugs creep me out but at least try to understand that not everyone shares that fear and that is is possible to overcome it and maybe even find a new hobby. Don’t get me wrong I love kitties and buns and pups but I’m allergic so I have my scaly friends to keep me company.

I was going to add that the Greeks also believed that snakes were immortal. Each time they shed the skin they were reborn and so the snake was a very powerful totem. The snake was the totem animal for Apollo and Athena, 2 of the most powerful and revered Greek gods.

Happy days to all!

What a gorgeous corn by the way!

Hmm. This aint a scene, its an arms race!

re:GreenEyedHawk — your baby fiero is absolutely gorgeous! i want one!!!

havent stuffed snakes down my rack yet; but I have had my ratta Bianca climb around and sleep in my bras,boy she was happy and snuggly in there..kinda itchy aftwards tho..

What a pretty Cal King! I used to have an albino one, he was pink and yellow. Snakes can be cute though, my ball python Priscilla likes to blow bubbles in her water dish and I think she’s adorable!

Lilith and Momma — thank you for your defense of snakes. I quite appreciate the history and tradition and the unusual bonds people can form with their reptiles. But for me — beyond the Genesis myth, which is an important myth for me — snakes populate a lot of troubling times and horrifying moments in my life, sometimes symbolically, sometimes literally. Of course I don’t believe they are really “evil,” and it’s probably not cool on my part to even joke about it because snakes are worthy of love and awe and adoration just like every other animal. But we all have a supreme fear and that’s mine. Even with the scary ocean animals — I’d love to go down w/ scuba gear and in one of those shark-proof cages, as much as sharks terrify me. But snakes are too sneaky and it’s easier for me to just avoid them and pretend like they don’t exist.

A meta-point — I think it’s pointless for people to try to suggest what is or is not appropriate discussion on a public bulletin board. I think as long as we’re talking “around” the pic/posting and treating each other with respect, we shouldn’t get too huffy if some of the threads start to meander a bit. No one’s making us do this or read it, so let’s just enjoy.

Normal – prolly cuz skinny 20 something white chicks are the only ones who stuff things down their shirts and take pictures?

Wait a minute…that didn’t come out right…

hey, NY michele, you need to get out more. this is cuteoverload site for comments, not your whole diary! and same to all you others who write need to put paragraphs into your comments! too much!
anyhow: snakes? not cute.not creepy, just not ‘cute’.

I should clarify….the snake is fine but I don’t think racks are cute. I didn’t like cats in racks and snakes in racks aren’t any better.

I use to visit CO daily but now, while there are more posts, the quality has gone down significantly. Now, I only check every few days.

As an advertising professional, I’ll mention that fewer eyeballs means less advertising. Period. I know that this site probably wasn’t started with the intent of making money, but ad dollars have come because people have come. Why tinker with the original level of quality posts by compromising with these lower level quality posts? You lose visitors that way. Better to have fewer quality posts and make CO a daily habit, than have a ton of so-so posts that visitors then have to filter through to pick out decent posts?

My 2 cents.

uh, eikoleigh, i can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or not. but you’re critiquing the quality of blog posts on a cute animals site.

Internet: *Serious Business*

Eikoleigh –
I can distill this down to a single word that I think you’ll understand: EDGY

Not cute! NOT cute!

aw, snakes are so adorable! I used to work in a pet store and we had red-tail boa named “maverick”, he liked to go in our shirts and hang out and put his head on the top of our heads and look around.

I think anyone who has the idea that snakes are all poisonous or gross or anything like that should hold one of the super-chill snakes in the world, you’ll be glad you did!

How many times do people need to be reminded that this is Meg’s site? I think it is far more likely that Meg will get tired of all of the complaining and stop posting altogether, rather than losing too many visitors.
Thank you for this site, Meg! And, Theo, thank you for moderating!

Snakes arelovely, I bet that feels quite…..”nice” But have a shower afterwards, as some reptiles can carry bugs on the thier skin like salmonella. I personally have never owned a snake, but have had several lizards, my fave being my leopard gecko Godzilla who lived for 10 years! *licks own eyeball*

Salmonella is carried in feces, not on the skin. Salmonella can also be contracted from not washing veggies properly. Proper handwashing is always a great idea. Thanks for distributing inaccurate information darkshines and making it even harder for people who properly care for their reptile pets. The following link is for the CDC’s information regarding salmonella in animals.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/salmonellosis.htm

So both of you are right- salmonella is in feces, but if you have a snake slither through your shirt, you should take a shower afterwards, because snakes can get their own feces on their skin and spread salmonella. And if you have a weak immune system, you shouldn’t touch snakes
(or baby chicks!) at all.

::sob::

Wow, people here are really mean. My vet and reptile dealer told me retiles can carry salmonella on their skin, especially snakes as they slither on the ground and are more likely to slither through poop.

From: Jim Sliwa, American Society for Microbiology’s Tips from the Journal of the ASM

German researchers have determined that exotic reptiles maintained as pets may be responsible for an increase in Salmonella cases in humans. Their findings appear in the January 2004 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

“Children under the age of 10 years and immunocompromised people seem to be especially prone to infections with reptile-associated Salmonella spp. and often experience severe clinical courses, including fatalities due to septicemia and meningitis.”

In the study, fecal samples were collected from pet snakes and tested for the presence of Salmonella. Strains of Salmonella enterica appeared in eighty-one percent of the samples. Although it is unclear how these snakes are infected with the bacteria, researchers believe it is through contact with contaminated feces.

“Our results indicate that very high percentages of snakes are colonized with Salmonella spp.,” say the researchers. “To avoid transmission, strict hygienic precautions should be applied when reptiles are handled.”

Did you know that in one study, that was not species specific, of animals that had already died of various illnesses:

* 50% of snakes and lizards were found to carry salmonella, and
* 7% of the turtles carried salmonella as well
* 30% of dogs tested also carry a salmonella bacteria

So if you have say four reptiles, you could consider that perhaps 2 of them are infected with salmonella.

I HEARD SNAKES CARRY DISEASES. IS THAT TRUE?

A. Yes—snakes can carry diseases. Snakes can be host to a large number of parasites, which in turn, can affect humans, dogs and cats. Protozoa can cause digestive, respisnakeory and reproductive illnesses in snakes, humans and other animals. Tapeworms are parasites of the digestive system. Roundworms can damage the lungs and digestive tract. Snakes carry the bacteria salmonella on their skin. People who pick up salmonella bacteria can become seriously ill with diarrhea, vomiting, fever and chills. Salmonella can also affect the blood. Snake salmonella can be spread through snake fecal matter, also called “scat.”

Bloody hell does every1 have to write so much??
but that is just a very strange pic i gotta give it that !!??