When it comes to choosing pets, most people would steer clear of reptiles, particularly snakes. It’s probably because humans are hardwired to fear them and see them as extremely dangerous creatures.

One reptile enthusiast aims to change the way people see snakes.

Jamie Guarino, a 34-year old, father of 3 from Lake Michigan, uploaded a video of her 14-month-old baby daughter playing with their 13-foot long pet python named Nay-Nay.

The baby was seen interacting and playing on the floor with the enormous reptile.

The snake, on the other hand, was just roaming around. Clearly, it had no interest in biting, choking, or swallowing the baby.

Nay-Nay has been with the family since she was just as small as a rubber band. Jamie took care of her until she grew as a healthy and gentle python.

According to Jamie, despite the snakes’ evil reputation, they can still be loving pets.

And true enough, her baby had a good time playing with the reptile. She was absolutely not in danger during their encounter. Contrary to Jamie’s expectation of other people’s reactions, most of the video’s viewers expressed positive comments.

One of them said:

“Have massive amounts of respect for this guy.. it’s hard for people to understand but he’s a professional he knows his snakes and you can clearly see the snake is chill not particularly interested in the little girl but more interested in having a look around. Snakes are inquisitive animals and they are also very affectionate despite the mean reputation. Listen to this guy folks snakes are NOT what you think they are.”

Being a snake handler since the age of 16, Jamie Guarino envisions bringing her daughters into the family business.

He hopes that someday, they’ll be able to open up a reptile zoo. They aim to use it to express their passion and educate people that reptiles can also be loving pets.

Others consider it as irresponsible parenthood.

Despite Jamie’s statement and his skills in handling snakes safely, a lot of people still considered him as an irresponsible parent. They said that snakes really can’t be treated as how Jamie wants them to be treated. They shouldn’t be allowed to play with children, particularly babies.

Their negative reactions aren’t surprising.

The number of reports about owners being bitten and family members being attacked by their pet reptiles is continuously increasing.

According to experts, an animal bred in captivity doesn’t stop the animal from being considered as a wild animal. Animals, though removed from their natural habitat, do not lose their natural instinct, and one instinct of wild animals is to hunt their prey.

Incidents about snakes attacking its owner or owner’s family members have been reported.

According to Humane Society of the United States:

“Four babies sleeping in their cribs, as well as three other children have been squeezed to death by large constrictor snakes. Youngsters have been attacked while playing in their yards, compressed to the point of unconciousness, nearly blinded when bitten in the face and suffered numerous other painful, traumatic and disfiguring injuries.”

People have different views of snakes and parents have different parenting styles. Although it’s hard to say which side is correct, we should try to focus only on one thing and that is the safety of both children and animals.

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Source: YouTube, Animal Channel