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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Geronimo on 2004-01-25
Geronimo on 2004-01-25
Geronimo on 2004-01-25
Geronimo on 2004-01-25
The anonymous post of 12/19/03 sums up
the mentality and intellect of the
venomous snake free handler: "It should
be your own opinion why should you tell
me what I can and cant (sic) do with my
body if I make a mistake and it kills me
my falt (sic) not yours." This
statement reflects a strong correlation
between a low IQ and free handling of
venomous snakes.
alvialf on 2004-01-25
I have been cathing and dealing with venomous snake for 18 years and have yet to be hit.Do I'm sure to the fact that I never have free handled one.I feel Steve Erwin is a smart and very lucky man,but then he is self tought like myself.You never see Mark or Jeff do such stupid things it is unprofessional,and deadly! I can say this much for myself in the last month I got the chance do take Reptile Gardens of the Black Hills of South Dakota calls on unwanted reptiles, and take them into my care.That took me 18 years of dealing with them do this, and with the way laws are going if all the hobbyist out there keep getting hit.Your not even going do be able to have any reptiles.So ask your self this is it worth giveing up your animals over a trill?I don't want give up what has takeing so long for me to get and learn becouse of you.
raficorleoni on 2004-01-24
I'm a medical student from South Florida. Personally, I believe handling venemous snakes is reckless and extremely dangerous. I saw a patient last year who was bitten by a eastern rattlesnake, is not pretty. He lost a good portion of his leg. Leave snakes handling to the experts
Anonymous on 2004-01-23
Hi, does anyone know where I could buy an Asian Green Vine Snake or just a Green Vine Snake?
DodgeViperPilot on 2004-01-22
I don't "stand on" (har) or free handle venomous snakes. My personal opinion: the amusement that comes from free handling a venomous snake is not worth the potential costs of a bite. I'm not just talking about physical costs, although that should be enough to discourage anyone. Mainly, my concern is of the financial costs of taking a hit. I wouldn't want to have to pay tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars just to say I've free handled a venomous snake. I think free handling a non venomous snake that has an attitude of a pissed off elapid is just as much fun and is as fascinating as free handling a cobra or king brown. If anyone wants a safe thrill, free handle a full grown wild caught coachwhip. You'll find that these snakes are worse beyotches than Barbra Streisan or Paula Zahn. And they are better looking too.
over and out,
Alan
boddx on 2004-01-15
don't have a problem with it,providing the snake is not stressed.My main reason for registering is to tell you of something very thought provoking! I find anacondas(boas?)and the rumours of giants fascinating.I read a message on the web site address attached, on jan 12th.It stated-from memory) The current live capture of an anaconda over 60feet in length.The message seemed to be asking for help to bring this creature to the attention of the scientific world!The site is now offline,but I will be monitoring it from now on.It might be nothing,but if its genuine,what a fantastic study for science!GET THERE FIRST MARK!!!! Show Ole Steve Irwin how its done. site address is ;-http://www.asih.org/wwwboard/messages/977.html
COBRAMAN on 2004-01-02
I do freehandle cobras, but I also self immunize with 9 different venoms. I don't free handle to show off, nor do I have any respect for a show off. I learned a lot of handling techniques from Bill Haast, as well as self immunizing and the practice of stocking loads of antivenoms (just in case). Be Blessed!
Ray Hunter
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