Filming of the Well of Souls scene was delayed initially by a lack of snakes. There were 500–600 snakes to use for close shots and some mechanical snakes for wider shots, but Spielberg wanted more. A request was made to snake handlers from around London and Europe who produced anywhere between 6,000 and 10,000 snakes in a few days. Afterward, they struggled to obtain anti-venom, and local supplies had expired; it had to be imported from India. The stage doors were kept open during filming for quick access to a waiting ambulance. Allen was reportedly so scared she could not scream on cue. Spielberg dropped a dead serpent on her to elicit a genuine reaction. Animal handler Steve Edge donned a dress and shaved his legs to stand in for Allen at specific points. Vivian Kubrick's complaint to the RSPCA about the perceived poor treatment of the snakes required production cease while safeguards were added.