We often speak of how important it is for young children to grow around animals because that way they learn how to be more responsible. Well, this usually counts for cats and dogs. But different people love to welcome different kinds of animals in the house and keep them as pets.
A man named Jamie Guarino, who is a professional snake handler, has a huge python. He has had this 13-foot Burmese python called Nay-Nay since it was just a baby. And that wouldn’t be strange if Jamie doesn’t let his three daughters play with the enormous snake all day long. Nay Nay is free to move around the place and the girls seem to love it very much.
Jamie often shares videos on his YouTube channel, SnakeHuntersTV, which show him and his two daughters handling snakes. Recently, however, he posted a video that caused a stir among social media users. It shows his then 14-month-old daughter playing with Nay Nay and climbing onto it.
Many people said how leaving such a young child spending time around a snake powerful enough to kill someone within minutes was very irresponsible. Others defended Jamie saying how he had the python for a very long time and he knew the animal was safe to be around. “This guy has a love for his snakes, which is perfectly fine, but it’s made him blind to the fact that is DOES remain a dangerous animal, especially towards a baby,” one YouTube user said.
Jamie commented on the people’s concerns and said: “When people see this clip they mostly react with fear or negativity. And I don’t understand why. This is an embedded fear, and I think people are brainwashed.
“To those of you who might see this video as irresponsible or dangerous, please take a minute. Don’t judge based on fear or something you don’t understand. Snakes can be, and are, loving animals.”
There are also those who defend Jamie.
“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,” someone wrote.
“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,” another added.
Despite many people saying how they believe Jamie knows exactly what he is doing, the video got to the hands of the authorities after which the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office asked the Department of Human Resources to investigate whether there was a case of child abuse and neglect.
Take a look at the video that divided people’s opinions and tell us what you think. Would you let such a huge snake crawling around your little ones?