249

usedbooks on Aug. 15, 2007

Here's a page that demonstrates a little more about Seiko's character. She's become the type of person my roommates accuse me of being. I swear I'm not quite as bad as this; I kill as many flies as I catch alive and release… – Oh, and if you haven't notice, I'm using a *gasp* new font. (Took me a long time to find one that included lowercase. All caps irk me…)

FYI, the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is, in fact, a docile snake. No, you shouldn't hug it, but it will almost never strike unless physical contact is made (stepped on or picked up). The real risk is that when frightened, this species has a tendency to freeze rather than flee. If not seen, it could get stepped on – in which case, it will bite. Honestly, Seiko shouldn't get so close to it, but there is still little risk as long as she doesn't touch the snake. ;-)

In addition to this, copperhead venom is not usually lethal to a healthy adult. I had a classmate who was bitten on two occasions (picking the snake up, BTW). Apparently, the bite wasn't even bad enough for him to actually learn from his mistake the first time…

Peipei: People with field biology training notice the critters more quickly and acutely than those without. Just like my dad can point out specific planets in the night sky, while all I see is “a bunch of stars.” :-)

LanceDanger: Must be upbringing… Bethany was raised with all the rural fears. My mom loves all kinds of creepy crawlies. She has a red-tailed boa now.