BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Reptiles & Amphibians Python plays with kid video

What do you think of this? In Cambodia, a python has befriended a small child. It moved into a house when the baby was just two months old and now they say the snake and child are inseparable.

This video shows the child nestling with the snake. Do think the snake is capable of developing a bond or is it just waiting until the child is fat enough to eat?

Python plays with baby video

Dear Lori,

I have watched the video. Thank you for sharing it with me. While I believe that some animal can be trained to do tricks or as pets, but either way, there is never a guarantee that an animal will not attack humans. Think of how many dog attacks occur every year. As for animals born in the wilderness, I believe they will always remain wild to a certain degree. The brain of an animal is basically in the survival mode. When fed by humans, most animals won't bite the hand that feed them but again, there is no guarantee. Reptiles such as this python don't have the capability to think things through the same way as humans do. It is not their fault, it is a fact of life. Personally, I would not leave my child without supervision or even within its grasp. This huge snake will fight to keep its prey and nobody will ever be able to free this child when it decides to consider it as its prey. I sincerely think that one day, you may read an article on this little boy and his snake. Unfortunately, it will not have a nice ending, like a fairy tale.

Sylvie, I was thinking the same thing. One day, they will end up having to kill the snake to free the child from its death grasp.

However, will a python kill for the sake of killing? I wonder it it is safe for the child as long as the snake isn't hungry. If the snake is kept well-fed, will it still attack?

Well, the snake has been with them for six years. I will assume they ensure the creature is kept fed.

Animals are not like humans. Hunting and fishing are considered to be sports by humans but animals kill when they are hungry. Although some animals, such as the Killer Whale, are known to play with what would usually be a prey, the difference is that they will eventually let the poor victim go. It may be hurt but it will be alive. So, if I go with this fact, I would say that as long as the snake is well fed, the child should be fine but here is my question: "Would you like to be the parent of that child and later on find out that you were wrong when you thought your child to be safe?" As a parent, I would refuse to take a chance! I guess it depends on the person's beliefs concerning that matter.

I think you're right to say that animals still have primal instincts and no one can know for sure what they are going to do. Obviously, snakes are motivated by hunger. But who knows if they'll squeeze and hold onto something for the sake of doing so, even if they aren't intending to kill. Do they know how to "be gentle?" It's not like they have any nurturing instincts with their own young!

Maybe I need to be educated here but although some animals are known to bond with humans, I really wonder if reptiles are capable of such.

Although some reptiles are used as pets, I believe they will behave as long as they are well fed...for most of them anyway. I am not convinced that they know how to establish a "real" relationship with humans.

I watched the viedeo - I cannot believe that that is allowed. Although - with my non-reptilean blood - It did seem like the snake was enjoying the attention from the child. ???

All I can remember is the news items with children being squeezed to death by snakes in the house....?? I just couldn't allow an animal like that in the house with small children, pets or even just me alone - they can kill adults, too.

With or without reptilian blood, I would not encourage such a relationship between a python and my children. I could not live with myself if something ever happened. I know that it this case, cultural beliefs are involved but what if this friendship ever turned out to be dangerous or worse? This family is braver than I would ever be with the lives of my children. It is merely a matter of opinion and beliefs but they are mine.

All i can say is that it's been working for six years, so i guess they are on top of it.