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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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
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
Anonymous on 2003-08-03
why do u have to pick em up, just look at um, i think i will milk snakes b4 i ever catch one with my bare hands, im not steve irwin
Anonymous on 2003-07-16
I agree; that if you want to take the risk of handling hot snakes go ahead. But when and if you get bitten you had better NOT hold the snake responsable. It is your fault period. You scarred it or it just wanted to be left alone.human error and bad judgementwill continue to damage the herp reputation. People lets use common sense and what ever you choose to do be carefull and respect the snake.
massasaugarattler on 2003-07-14
I think a person should use his or her gut feeling before free handling a venomous snake. You should learn to read the snake.You can just about tell when a snake is going to bite, I can anyway. Most of all be safe, your taking a chance at best
Anonymous on 2003-07-12
So people want to "free handle" snakes? OK, fine - but they shouldn't be surprised when they get bitten. After all, when you play with fire you must expect to be burned. Sure, you may get away with free handling snakes for years - but one day you're going to get nailed. The statistics are stacked against you. Why take the risk? It's not worth risking your life and finances over. Let's face it, the best possible outcome after a snake-bite is that you make a full recovery but are saddled with a huge medical bill to pay. Alternatively, you could lose a finger-tip or even end up dead. That's what happens when you put yourself in harm's way by free handling snakes. My advice is simple:- don't free handle hot snakes.
Snakehunter12 on 2003-07-11
Well, If that is what you want to do and you do know what you are doing than yes go for it. Quick call 911
copperheadkid15 on 2003-07-07
ummm why free hand a snake at all. use a snake hook,tong,bagger...
Anonymous on 2003-07-02
I do not personally appreciate the term "free handling" as applied in cases
of just capturing a snake for a specific reason. As an example Bill Haast mentioned here would often capture cobras with his bear hands for the purpose of extracting its venom. There is a reason it done this way.
Cobras are somtimes difficult to pin compared to cases involveing vipers and pit vipers.
I maintain large forest Cobras. They cam be difficult sometimes to pin. I do often pin them, but depending on their
particular behavior at the time sometimes it is more approperate when they are distracted to grab them.
The important thing to keep in mind is that no one should ever handle a species that they are not familiar with. I do not advocate any handling nor do I teach any techniques in handling. Excluding simple transfer from cage to cage.
Personally the only snake hook I use
is about 18" to handle all varieties, including 7 foot Forest cobras and 6 foot Mambas. This is because I feel more hindered by the cumbersom larger hook and the distant to reaching a snake that I will need to get behind the head is to far. There are mechanics involved in these procedures.
I learned by watching Mr Haast. I was privileged to had to apportunity to work for him in the 80s. I have never seen anyone will his calculated skill.
Everything is calculated. You only handle when you need to and in the ways needed for the Job. Bill took many risks
in his career and paid for many! He is familiar with the implications of venom intoxications. I do however believe these risk involved reasonable calculations and scientific methodology.
I learned watching him and 20 years of other experince with venomous snakes.
I have avoided the hobbist and herpetological aspects and have primarly focused on the Toxinology and Immunological aspects involving snake venoms.
With the help of collegian I have ecently began organizing an informative
website to share our missions. All are welcomed to visit us at
www.serpentoxin.com
Lee Moore
of venoms
Anonymous on 2003-06-30
why free handle when there is the 410 "snake charmer?" (my fave) ;o) such a perverse hobby. oh okay they are beautiful - right. and you can handle them responsibly - right. except for all the exceptions - a few of which are documented in these pages. right.
on to the next loonie page.
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