Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok this is something I have been wondering for a very long time. I always correct people when they call a snake poisonous because I have always learned that a poison must be swallowed as apose a venom that must be put into the blood stream. I was wanting to know what everyone else thought about this. Does anybody know the trust?

You are correct. A poison is either ingested or absorbed through the skin. Venom must be injected to have the desired effect.

Kelly

It doesn't matter. You can go to someone that doesn't even speak English and tell them you have poison in you from a rattle snake and they would know what you mean. Why be so high strung to be politically correct?

When I said "high strung", I did not mean you. I was referring to people that believe everything should be perfect.

yea, i was just curious just so i can correct the people that don't mind knowing the facts. I understand that everyone will continue to get them confused but i just wanted to know for my own benefit and thanks now I know

Just a thought. Where would a snake like a spitting cobra fall into this as when they project their "poison" it is to have effect by skin/eye contact and absorbed? Bill.
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

I believe it would still be a venom because that is the same stuff they inject so i am guessing there venom just happens to have an irritant in it.

Here is the medical term for venom:
Venom: A poison, particularly one secreted by an animal. For examples, bee venom, snake venom, scorpion venom, and spider venom. Snake venom is also called venin.

IT'S ALL THE SAME! If you call it venom and someone else calls it poison they are just as correct as you!

I don't believe that the method of introduction to the blood stream determines wether it's poison or venom, wether you get bit or inject it yourself, it is venom.... and a poison.

But you can swallow venom and have no ill effects as long as you have no open wounds in your mouth, throat or stomach.