Speak Out: Where do you stand on “free handling” of venomous snakes.
This subject covers a vast area handlers, from the greatly respected Bill Haast known for his free handling to the widely denounced new wave “extreme” free handlers who pick up venomous snakes as if they were ball pythons, simply for the adrenalin rush and bragging rights. We can also incorporate the religious free handlers who take a literal view of Mark 16:18. Do you personally free handle? If so, why? And if not, why? (Note: pinning the snake’s head and holding it behind the neck will not be considered free handling for the purposes of this topic.)
173 opinions on this subject.
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Anonymous on 2022-12-25
billt6 on 2006-06-22
I just read a post by Anonymous on 2004-03-15 lucky for all the snakes out there that we are not like him. I am an ex cop and I know from experience that venomous animals are not the most dangerous vertibrates on this earth. A certain two legged species known as a Homosapian AKA Human being tops the list. Compare the F.B.I. homicide statistics to the number of snakebite fatalities. Then add drunk driver auto accident fatalities. WOW how I love snakes.
herpetology on 2005-05-11
Handling a venomous snake when you have had no professinal training, is dangerous and ignorant, religion or otherwise. Because that is the kind of idiotic behavior around snakes that will get you into a hospital bed. Number one rule is to respect the snake and give it space, you do that and your odds of being bitten are greatly reduced. I am not a herpetologist, nor do I have a snake or agree with the keeping of any species of snake.
mark16-18snakehandler on 2005-04-21
I am a christian serpent handler. I have handled quite a few rattlers and copperheads. But, ony while anointed by the Holy Ghost to do so.
I would never free handle a venomous snake without being anointed by God to do it. I have picked them up by there tails and things like that without being anointed. But, very breifly, and, only in a way that I was in control. If the snake seemed to get agitated I would let it go.
When I am anointed to handle them, I can pretty much do whatever I want with them. Because, God's Spirit is protecting me from the serpent.
I can send you pics if would like to see what I mean. holinessman2@yahoo.com email me and I will send you some.
herpitoligist on 2005-03-13
free handel any snake and you can expect to get bit.
Nivea on 2005-02-15
Hi, as with Mambahunter, I am also residing in Souther Africa. Concerning the free handling of hots. Well, I honestly sit on both sides of the fence. Handling nervous species such as Dendroaspis polyleips or Naja nivea is a definite no no.
I have found in my experience that no two animals are ever the same, be they the same species or not.
I had a similar discussion with someone a couple of years back. The statement the person made was that Western Diamonbacks (Crotalus atrox) are vicous animals. i offcourse gave these snakes the benefit of the doubt. To make a long story short, I bought four baby atrox and raised them, starting slowly and VERY carefully to "free handle" them. The end resulting in a 1.5m atrox which I have developed more trust in handling than is the case with my Boa constrictor.
However, I would not reccomend anyone trying this, I just proved a statement false that all hots are "viciuos"
mambahunter on 2005-02-15
I live in South Africa and because of circumstances out of my control I can't keep venomous snakes at this moment. I don't think that free handling hots is an option. The risk of being tagged is extremely high. The wild snakes I normally handle on our farm are really not suited for free handling. While handling wild Puffadders I prefer using 2 hooks or pinning the head of smaller individuals. I prefer to tailhandle the cobras and use a noose to remove Boomslang or eastern green mambas from trees. I prefer to avoid handling black mambas but if one does invade the house and send the women running I use tongs to restrain the snake. In the near future I will probably be able to keep venomous snakes again. I am interested in keeping exotic snakes but the anti-venom supply for exotics is very restricted in South Africa. If somebody has advice please e-mail me at 12787388@puknet.puk.ac.za
imajsfrk on 2005-02-11
Free handlers.
There are not enough safe guards in place in the entire world, to protect one from one's own stupidity.
The effects of free handling venomous reptiles can only be 'observed' by those who watch.
Effects of free handling venomous reptiles can only be experienced by those who deem themselves worthy to participate. The key word here, is 'themselves'.
I prefer to be a member of the former sect.
Digits and limbs intact, thank you!
imajsfrk on 2005-02-11
Free handlers.
There are not enough safe guards in place in the entire world, to protect one from one's own stupidity.
The effects of free handling venomous reptiles can only be 'observed' by those who watch.
Effects of free handling venomous reptiles can only be experienced by those who deem themselves worthy to participate. The key word hyere, is 'themselves'.
I prefer to be a member of the former sect.
Digits and limbs intact, thank you!
herptedd on 2005-02-09
I think that free handling can be done successfully, but only with a lot of experience. Even then, you still are taking a big risk.
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