How do you even respond to this?

It's a fun, more imaginative way of saying, "don't be shy."

Bite them instead

One day after ballet my friend and I were standing outside of the ballet studio waiting to be picked up, we were each wearing a leotard, t-shirt, and tights. This really creepy old guy with crutches came walking up to us. Naturally, we were polite and moved out of the way so that he could get buy. Then he walked right up to us and said, "don't worry ladies, I don't bite." He moved closer and whispered, "All the time." That was the creepiest freaking thing that has ever happened to me, especially since we were wearing leotards.

Respond with,
"But I do"

I bite

You respond to this by asking if they swallow.

You never know...