Have you seen the new movie Zootopia 2? If you have, you probably know Gary (Venomous Pit). Gary is a new character. He is funny. He is cute. And he is a snake. Specifically, Gary is a green snake. In the movie, he is harmless. He makes people laugh. However, there is a big problem in the real world. In China, young people love Gary. They think he is adorable. Consequently, they want to own a “Gary” of their own. Therefore, they are buying real snakes. But these are not normal pet snakes. They are venomous pit vipers. This is a very dangerous trend. It is putting people at risk. In this article, we will explain why this is happening. We will also tell you why you should never buy this snake.
Who is Gary?
First, let’s talk about the character. Zootopia 2 introduced us to many new animals. But Gary stole the show. He is a bright green snake. It has big, silly eyes. He moves in a funny way. In the movie, he works with the main characters. He is a spy. The animators made him look friendly. He does not look scary.
The Viral Hit
In China, the movie is huge. People post videos of Gary on social media. They make memes. They buy plush toys. However, some fans wanted more than a toy. They wanted the real thing. They looked for a snake that looks like Gary. And they found one. It is called the Green Bamboo Pit Viper.
The “Real” Gary is Dangerous
The real snake looks just like the cartoon. It is bright green. Its has yellow eyes. It looks very cool. However, looks can be deceiving. This snake is not a friend. It is a wild animal. More importantly, it is venomous.
What is a Green Bamboo Pit Viper?
This snake lives in Asia. Its scientific name is Trimeresurus stejnegeri. It lives in trees. It hunts at night.
Unlike the cartoon Gary, this snake does not like to be held. If you touch it, it will get scared. consequently, it will bite.
Why This Trend is scary
Experts are very worried. Young people are buying these snakes online. They are showing them off on apps like Douyin (TikTok). The put the snakes on their hands. They put them on their desks. The treat the deadly animal like a hamster.
The Venom
What happens if this snake bites you?
It is very painful.
- Swelling: Your hand will get very big.
- Pain: It feels like fire.
- Tissue Damage: The skin can turn black and die.
Usually, the bite will not kill a healthy adult. However, it can make you very sick.
You would need to go to the hospital. You might need special medicine called antivenom.
For a child or a small pet, the bite is even worse. It could be deadly.
The “Finding Nemo” Effect
This has happened before.
Do you remember the movie Finding Nemo?
After that movie, everyone wanted a clownfish.
Millions of clownfish were taken from the ocean. Many of them died. People did not know how to take care of them.
Harry Potter and Owls
It also happened with Harry Potter.
Fans wanted pet owls. But owls are terrible pets. They are loud. They bite.
Eventually, people abandoned the owls.
Now, it is happening with Zootopia 2.
However, this time is different. Clownfish and owls are not venomous. This trend is physically dangerous to the owners.
Why Pit Vipers Are Bad Pets
You might think you can tame the snake.
But you cannot.
Here are three reasons why keeping a Green Bamboo Pit Viper is a bad idea.
1. They Are Aggressive
Some snakes are calm. For example, a Ball Python is calm.
However, pit vipers are not. They are nervous. They strike fast.
You cannot cuddle them. You cannot play with them.
2. They Need Special Care
These snakes live in the jungle.
They need high humidity. They need the right temperature.
If the cage is too dry, they get sick. If it is too cold, they get sick.
Most new owners do not know this. Therefore, the snakes will suffer.
3. It Might Be Illegal
In many places, you cannot own a venomous snake.
You need a special license. You need training.
If you buy one illegally, you can get in trouble with the police.
What Real Snake Experts Say
Snake experts are speaking out.
They are using social media to warn people.
They say, “Gary is a cartoon. He is not real.”
One expert in China said, “Please do not buy these. You will get bitten. It is only a matter of time.”
They are asking online shops to stop selling them.
However, where there is money, there are sellers.
Safe Alternatives to “Gary”
Do you really love snakes?
That is okay! Snakes can be great pets.
But you must choose the right one.
Here are some safe options. They are cute, but they won’t hurt you.
- Rough Green Snake: It is green like Gary. It eats insects. It is not venomous.
- Corn Snake: These come in many colors. They are very friendly.
- Garter Snake: These are small and active.
These snakes are safe. They are legal. And they are easy to care for.
Respect Nature
We must remember something important.
Movies are fantasy. Real life is different.
In Zootopia, a bunny can be a cop. A fox can be a hero. A snake can be a spy.
In the real world, animals have instincts. Venomous Pit
A pit viper has venom to hunt. It uses venom to protect itself. Venomous Pit
It does not understand that you love the movie. It only sees a giant hand coming at it.
So, it bites. Venomous Pit
What Should You Do?
If you see someone with a pit viper online, do not copy them.
Instead, you can do these things:
- Buy a Plushie: Disney sells great toys. They are soft. They are safe. You can hug them.
- Visit a Zoo: Go see a real pit viper at the zoo. You can look at it safely behind glass.
- Learn More: Read books about snakes. Learn why they are important to nature.
Gary from Zootopia 2
Gary from Zootopia 2 is a fun character. He makes us smile. However, the Green Bamboo Pit Viper is not a toy. The trend in China is worrying. Young people are risking their health for a trend. Please, be smart. Do not buy a venomous snake. Keep the wild animals in the wild. If you want a friend, get a dog. If you want Gary, buy a doll. Stay safe and enjoy the movie! Venomous Pit
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