In most states, if a dog was provoked in some way, the owner (the defendant) will not be found liable to the person bit by the dog (the plaintiff). This rule may be limited by a state's "dog bite" statute, but it is rarely eliminated altogether. The provocation defense and its exceptions are discussed in this article.

Will a snake bite unprovoked?

Snakes are very shy, timid, secretive, and generally docile creatures that try to avoid conflict when ever possible. Snakes will not make unprovoked attacks on people. When a person comes in contact with a snake, the animal's first instinct will be to rapidly flee the area and find shelter.

What is considered a provoked dog bite?

The provocation doctrine states that a dog bite is justified under certain circumstances, so that neither the dog nor the owner, harborer or keeper of the dog may be held responsible civilly or criminally. ... For example, hitting a dog and causing it to feel pain usually constitutes provocation.