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.
Enter your opinion at the bottom of this page.
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expserum114 on 2003-09-08
WHY????????????????????????
When people free handle venomous I just have to wonder why they are keeping them in the first place. Is it for ego? Are they showing off for someone? How cool can someone possibly look with necrosis or limbless or laying in a casket or after a right beating from all those who keep and handle hot snakes responsibly and have just lost the freedom to keep these animals because of someone's stupidity?! Use tools, accidents happen I guess but when it's totaly preventable that's idiotic.
Anonymous on 2003-08-31
Ted Tutor says..
After looking over the snakebite photo's I just had to post another one.
How in hell do you guy's manage to get bitten by these hots?
I have handled venemous snakes {and some from around the world},Gila's, venemous spiders,scorpions etc, my whole life and have never been bitten or stung once. I have even free handled many of them and had to do parasite removal by hand, and some medicinal wk, and managed to not get bitten...Maybe you folks should give this hobby up, and leave it to more adept indiviuals.
I know you're thinking , well, one day you will...not true, i don't do that anymore...I got smart 15 years ago, because I knew it would happen eventually if I pursued it ..went to non-venomous..They are just as cool, and pretty and fascinating. Not to mention that the risk of a bite is still there for the thrill of chance, however you need not worry about necrosis or worse!
Not trying to be almighty, but after seeing these pics, I just see that some folks are not as articulate as they oughtta be with their hots.
MildVenom on 2003-08-26
would u rather be safe and sane or have bragging rights and one arm. think about it. use tools. (psst. get Midwest www.tongs.com)
ranger1100ky on 2003-08-26
Free handling a venomous snake is by far, one of the DUMBEST things ANY keeper can do.
(Researchers milking the snake for medical purposes, vets, and wildlife experts performing procedures necessary in their focused work are EXCEPTED from my statement)
Hot snakes are not pets... they're wild animals... they're dangerous to human life and limb... and should be just as respected, as one might respect a huge man-eating, pissed off lion.
I don't handle or keep hots... and I will not... my personal preference for the good of the snakes, as well as my own good.
That said... even when I execute a capture... I refuse, absolutely REFUSE to get ANY biteable parts anywhere NEAR a snake.
Why? Common sense... snakes BITE... and there are no exceptions to that rule... snakes BITE.
There are tools for the trade... snake hooks, snake tongs, specially made pinning sticks that are harmless to the animal, restraining tubes, etc...
Those tools should be used... it's better for the snakes... and safer for the keepers.
Using tools and safe handling procedures at ALL times, with due caution and care, is a win/win situation for the snakes and their caretakers.
Anything less, is stupidty personified
Anonymous on 2003-08-16
Ted Tutor says..
I have to agree, it is pretty stupid to free handle hot snakes, I have done it many times, and am severely allegic to even mesquito bites. Have never been bitten..but I was younger then, and had a deathwish,I would not do it now...what an idiot I was.
Albinoatrox on 2003-08-11
I think free handling is very stupid and bad for the hobby!!!! If you are into venom production than that's different. The KEY is use tools! Why should other responsible HOT keepers have to pay the price for some idiot that thought it would be cool to free handle HOTS?? The last thing WE need is more legal restrictions.
JMO!
Gilbert
Lucile on 2003-08-10
I think it is crazy to handle a hot with no tools. I currently own 2 canebrakes, and i have NEVER touched them. If you got the balls to do it, then be prepared for the bite.
Lucile on 2003-08-10
I think it is crazy to handle a hot with no tools. I currently own 2 canebrakes, and i have NEVER touched them. If you got the balls to do it, then be prepared for the bite.
Anonymous on 2003-08-03
oops sorry
Anonymous on 2003-08-03
so you are just walking in the woods, OH LOOK a copperhead, lets just go pick it up with my bare hands and see what happens?!? DURR dont be stupid guys, if someone was trying to pick me up id bit em
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