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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TAIPAN78 on 2003-04-08
Free handleing for me is picking a hot up and holding it if it were a cornsnake or pinesnake inwhich case no, I do not. However, I do hook and tail elapids with some frequency. For me it is the easiest way to secure runny Aspidelaps or Naja for periodic cage transporting. If done properly, it works very well and is safe for the keeper and the snake. However, when dealing with Crotalid and Viperades, unless the specimen is over 3 feet, i highly recomend one use the 2 hook method. The only Viper/pitviper I tail is my 5 1/2 ft A.p.conanti and it would be unsafe for him to do it anyother way(he weights too much to be supported by one hook and he wont stay on two).
(on a side note, Ive heard from several experinced keepers that tailing any Bothrops sp is asking for a bite, even if tehy are 7 ft!)
RepFan on 2003-04-08
I personally am opposed to free-handling venomous. Though I do not judge
what others do, just what the resulting outcome may do to the hobby we both share. I think a better question would be, "Why do you think free-handling hots is necessary and what are the pro's to this style?" With all the media hype of late about the keeping of venomous, I am worried that this will give them and the governing powers that be more arsenal for their cause.I give presentations of my hots to local ems,fire departments, schools,and scouts to educate them, on how to properly identify, what do if they have an encounter,and of the vital role these fascinating creatures play in our eco-system to help preserve and appreciate these reptiles. I always refer them to our site for more info on the subjects of hots. I also speak to them about our purpose as well as our mission statement(Education,Conservation,etc.) So it seems that it is a bit of hypocrosy when they see topics such as these,some of the comments above, and profiles with individuals free handling venonomous, and classifieds stating the specimen that is being offered is able to free-handled. I hope I have not offended anyone or start a flame with my opinion, but just think we should look at the whole picture and dilema that our actions can cause.
-Safe Herping
to you All-
JTEDENS on 2003-04-07
I free handle no venomous species in captivity. The only thing I have free handled in the wild are coral snakes. I would never try it with a pit viper. Why do with your hands what you have tools for. To reply to spanky's post, he says he's never been bitten free handling, but I believe he's had almost all of his bites from tailing. I consider that freehandling. One would think after the first time you would learn.
John
lepidus on 2003-04-07
I personally don't see any reason to free handle any venomous snake. I just don't believe it is worth the risk to myself or the people around me. I know some people feel that they really know thier animals but I just don't think the risk is worth it. I LOVE snakes of all types, especially venomous, but I can just as easilly admire them without taking unnecessary risks. To each his own though, and I won't force my opinons on others. With that thought, each bite is a reflection on us as a whole.
BITEMBACK on 2003-04-07
i have no reason to and i think it is not worth the risk or what it can do to our hobby
toxicbite on 2003-04-06
LET'S ASK SPANKY! lol. TOXIC-BITE.
Craig0104 on 2003-04-05
i really don't agree with free handling with all venomous snakes. i think some rear fanged snakes are ok to free handle.
i really don't like the people who like to abuse snakes at church. most of those snakes are refrigerated or their fangs are broken. there is one of those churches by my grandfather's house in WVA.
EK on 2003-04-05
If it weren't for the recent wave of anti-venomous legislation, I wouldn't care if people chose to freehandle their snakes(their choice). BUT every time someone's bite gets publicity, it's one more reason for the legislators to pass BS laws.
Personally I don't do it. I have no reason too.
biff on 2003-04-05
Where do I stand? I think it's flat out dumb(Bill Haast or Ray included). I can't really think of a legitimate purpose for freehandling. Kinda seems like it's along the lines of russian roulette.
Steve
spanky on 2003-04-05
As you all know I to have free handled hots. I don't unless I have had the snake for a long time and know it well. I have never been biten free handling. But know the snake is the key to doing this. most all my bites were from tailing with out a hook. I have stopped free handling, becouse of the risk, and I am tired of bites. 9 to date. So anyway that is my input. Spanky
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