When lifting a large or heavy bodied snake, slide your hand or a hook under its body about a third of the way back, begin lifting it, then support it appropriately just posterior to mid-body.The cervical vertebrae are delicate and, if damaged, the snake is apt to be permanently disabled. Never pin a snake or lift it by its neck.If it is necessary to handle a snake that has eaten recently or is preparing to shed its skin, do so very gently, supporting the snake as fully as possible.Use gloves when handling non-venomous snakes that are persistently “snappy.”.If the snake recoils into a striking “S,” stop temporarily or use a hook or clampstick.Always move slowly, and, if possible, approach from the side rather than from above.
Handle the snake when it is awake, but during the time of day that it is most lethargic.Be sure the snake is aware that you are present.Read as much as you can about the species that most interest you. If you are new to the snake-keeping hobby, discuss the habits of the species you are keeping with other hobbyists and with employees in the dealerships that offer them. Unlike many other reptiles and amphibians that resist owner familiarity, many snakes can be safely and frequently handled if this is done gently. Since snakes usually advertise their intent with a display of body language (coiling, flattening, drawing back into an “S” to facilitate a strike), it will behoove you to learn their habits, their silent language (as a species and as an individual) and to tailor your methods of approach and handling safely. With all of this potential for danger, how does one go about handling a captive snake? Simply put, the answer is carefully. The venomous species – vipers, cobra allies and sea snakes – are aptly designated and a bite should be assiduously avoided. The bites of others have caused massive swelling and tissue destruction. A few of these are large enough to be life-threatening to humans.Īmong the ranks of the “mildly-venomous” rear-fanged snakes, there are also a few species that have caused human fatalities. Additionally, many non-venomous species are powerful constrictors. Human fatalities have been attributed, for example, to bites from some relatives of the garter and water snakes.
It is now known that among the so-called harmless snakes are some species that produce toxic saliva. While these designations may seem definitive, they can, in fact, be very misleading. Traditionally snakes have been placed in three categories: harmless (non-venomous), rear-fanged (mildly-venomous) and front-fanged (venomous). Others may bite persistently and be so unpleasant that they must be moved with a snakehook or a clampstick. Some may be irascible when first encountered but will quiet as they become used to routines. Some snakes can be lifted by hand from the outset with no display of temper at all. How snakes are handled will depend upon the kind of snake and its individual temperament.
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