snakelegs
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I have found that snakes in the coluber family do sometimes develop mildly toxic saliva which produces a reaction like that.
It seems to be the result of diet and happens if they have been eating toads.
I have not heard of it in ribbon snakes, however they often eat frogs and small toads. could be similar. I had a similar reaction with a garter snake, even tho I had been been bitten many times before by them with no effect.
Both the Garter and Ribbon snakes are in the family Thamnophis. I wonder if this may be the result of eating toads although they prefer frogs. Most toads have somewhat venomous skin.
Something interesting to look into.
well, i fed mine goldfish and they were long time captives. they're nice little snakes if you like attention - they stare at you all the time. ;D