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.
[Speak Out Home Page]
Anonymous on 2003-05-20
Wow... take it from me folks it's not worth it. I recently moved from TN where the reptile laws so bad that trying to own a hot snake would be like trying to start a library in nazi germany. There are a lot of people out there who hate the hobby and would like to see herpetoculture banned totaly. Having ignorant yokels trying to exploit some kind of shock value from these snakes is just what these nuts are looking for when trying to pass new legislation. It's already happend in several states.. be responsible and maybe it wont happen in yours.
Anonymous on 2003-05-14
I guess it depends on the person. While I certainly understand the opinions of people who are opposed to free handling venomous snakes, I'm all for freedom. As long as the person who is handling it knows the risks and someone is there to help if things turn ugly. Two days ago I free handled a Gaboon Viper for the first time. I definately enjoyed the rush. The sad thing is that it jeopardizes everyone because the government is so quick to pass laws banning the possession of exotic animals. We now have to get rid of our 6' Red Tail Boa because someone called the police and complained. How retarded. Anyway, to each his own. I'm all for freedom.
Unboalievable on 2003-05-12
If you intend to freehandle your snakes there is no one that can stop you. But if you truly have passion and love for keeping venomous then you should do the right thing and handle them responsably if not for yourself then for your fellow members of the venomous community. I also believe that people that are in the publics eye as responsable venomous keepers should take their handling skills very seriously and portray themselves as a good role model for upcoming venomous keepers. It looks at times as though the SHHS almost condones the risk of getting bit just for the sake of a good picture. " Do as I say not do as I do" will be the death of us all unless we all start taking responsability for our actions.
SLANGBYT on 2003-05-09
I am at Rhodes University in South Africa where i look after the snake display tank. I went looking for food in the botanical gardens about 2 hours ago, and came across a night adder (causus rhombeatus) which i obviously had to catch, and the only way was by hand. I was cautious and it took me 15 minutes to bag. As soon as i introduced her to the tank the male came out and they immediately began to mate. i have been keeping snakes for 10 years, and have never got any to mate so easily. So this time freehandling was definately worth it!
Anonymous on 2003-05-07
SOMETIMES YOU FREEHANDLE YOUR HOTS, JUST LIKE SOMETIMES YOU DO OTHER THINGS THAT ARE SOCIALLY INACCEPTABLE AND YOU CERTAINLY WOULDN'T DO THOSE OTHER THINGS IN PUBLIC OR ADVERTISE THEM ON FORUMS. SOME PEOPLE JUST LIKE TO TAKE THAT RISK AND IF THEY DO THEY MAY SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. IT IS ASHAME HOWEVER THAT THE WHOLE HOBBY HAS TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF A FEW RISK TAKERS WHO THINK IT WON'T HAPPEN TO THEM. BECAUSE IT WILL, EVENTUALLY.
Anonymous on 2003-05-05
I enjoy freehandling snakes purely for the rush.
Dennis on 2003-05-01
There is only I think one reason that you should free handle a venomous snake and that is to get the venom. If you do it for another reason then I would say think again...................
Dennis.
Anonymous on 2003-04-25
Where do i stand on freehandling venomous snakes? On my feet I hope. I'd hate to have a big pissed off cobra tailed while lying on my stomach. haha just kidding.
I think it all has to do with what the handler feels comfortable with, and knowing the animal. I know they are unpredictable and freehandling should be left to the so-called experts, but this is the way I look at it. If you decide to purchase a venomous snake off of the internet or anywhere else because you think that you are ready for one or you think it would be something different and neat to have, you'd better think twice. I see pictures of people freehandling venomous snakes on the internet and if that is what they feel they need to do, then that's their perogative. But being careless with these creatures can only lead to disaster. Always use a hook no matter what.
Safe and Happy Herping,
Sheldon
gaboon40 on 2003-04-24
As my mom is inclined to call me from time to time since I keep hots, anyone who freehandles is "a damn fool". You give all snake-keepers a bad name; esp. when your name is plastered all over the newspaper and tv when you finally do get nailed.
Anonymous on 2003-04-24
Before free handling people should
be required to view pictures of
sloughing necrotic tissue and dead
bodies. Free handlers should be
expected to pick up the tab of their
medical expenses. Then again
some people haven't seen the movie
"Jackass".
<--
Page 14
-->
Enter your opinion about Where do you stand on “free handling” of venomous snakes.:
The opinions expressed within VenomousReptiles.org Speak Out are those of the
contributor, and not necessarily that of VenomousReptiles.org. VenomousReptiles.org
simply provides a forum for people to express their opinions on
various venomous reptiles subjects of interest.
Do you have an idea for a Speak Out topic?
Email our Speak Out Manager
with your ideas.
|
