Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So... I could be wrong, but in an episode of CSI I was just watching, the 'villain' they were apprehending was a snake. I may have misheard, but they laid the death of a Fully grown woman at the jaws of a "two hundred pound boa." Now, the snake pictured supposedly had strangled and swallowed her and they found her covered in the sticky saliva that snakes usually leave on regurgitated prey. The snake pictured was an anaconda I think, because if it was anything else, there would be more definition between the neck and head ( I couldn't get a good look on my TV), but even though it is part of the boa family, so to speak, it just helps with people's misconceptions of common boas. I actually started ranting to my sister, whom isn't the biggest fan of snakes. IMO an adult boa is not normally a serious threat (not that it couldn't be in certain situations)to an adult womans life, let alone going to swallow one. People are already terrifed of snakes, and boas... Boas are generally quite docile and can be great pets; this just disappoints me a little I guess. Thought I'd rant on here about it too. I realize it is a TV show, but you know that people believe what they see on TV...
I feel better now! LOL!
Steph S.
Oh, and the snake pictured, that died later, was not large enough to get her down anyway... also my opinion.

Yes it is a Green Anaconda...I was suprised and dissapointed as well that they continuously refefred to it as a 'boa'...it may technically be in the boa family but not a good thing to mix up with 'boa constrictor'....
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Heather Martin
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Fear sells, legitimate or not. There's a couple other things that sell too but how many people complain about half naked chicks in a beer advertisement? IMO, shows like this don't have a negative affect on the way people look at snakes.. People have already made up their mind with snakes.. Some like them, some can stand them and some are scared to death of them.. If there are keepers who can't even get their spouse to get over their fears, what chance do we have for the general public? It's the kids we gotta go after and teach, Steve Irwin was doing a great job..

I have to agree with NC Boas. Educate the youth.

I agree, Irwin did a wonderful job and made it fun for everyone!
As for fear selling, hey, I loved watching the Anaconda movies when they came out! LOL! I just hate that shows based on real situations and news stories that are published these days, have such inaccurate information in them; that doesn't help either. I don't mind fear so much as unreal fear.... like when someone says they hate snakes and you ask why, you get the I don't know they're slimey line. Well, we know they aren't slimey! ;p Not too common, but I've heard that one twice in my life!
I just hate it when inaccurate information gets out, I agree most people should be cautious owning an anaconda because they aren't usually equipped to do so or well enough aware of the size and dangers of owning such a large snake (retics are also on my list of not for most average joes). However, I think boas are more of the large snake for the common man and misinformation of this nature is not too cool to me I guess. Like that story that was posted here where a woman claimed the boa 'bared its fangs'! Haha fangs! Otherwise, ya, you're right. It is too hard to change opinions that are fear-based, but it still rankles me!
Thanks for chiming in!
Steph S.

It's definitely uncalled for but it's entertainment.. My daugher gets a kick out of all the horror snake movies.. We just watched "snakes on a plane", completely ridiculous and she knew it.. She's had her own ball python since she was 2 and now she's starting a leopard gecko colony at the age of 5.. She loves reptiles, she knows they're not slimy. Her play friends are slowly becoming comfortable with them as well.. I just can't wait for show and tell at school!

LOL! That movie made me laugh too! I could name a dozen non-venomous snakes that I saw, I think I even saw a Boelen's Python! ;p I like those movies because you know right off the bat they are going to stretch things to make you scared, like Freddy and Jason movies... even if they are dumb and you laugh more than you scream. I have to admit though in reference to the show that started the thread, it just ruins it for me when the movie is real-based, because then it is just misinformation.
Pretty cool that you can share your hobby with your kids! I don't have any myself, but I am always trying to educate strangers that I meet and sometimes get talked into a little tour for their kids or grandkids who are very interested even though the parents themselves, aren't big fans of snakes! That always makes me feel pretty good, because the parents trust me and are not limiting the kids to their fears.
Thanks for your opinion and putting up with my rant!
Steph S.

Since we are on the boa forum...
Here's a pic of my self-bred het alb. Madeline!