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Free handling Cobras
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by lepidus on September 29, 2008
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I have kept elapids for many years including many species of cobra but I have a question.First let me say that the extent of the handling of my cobras are done with a hook and tailing technique and that is all I ever plan on doing and that is done minimally for me and the animals sake, cage cleaning, transfering, etc.. I often see people and pictures of people posing with their cobras being held free handed just a few inches below their hood while their hood is expanded. Is there something I don't know about in their habits or their ability to strike that makes this a "safe" practice? Again, I am not in any way judging what other peoples practices are. My friend and I were just discussing this subject and I really didn't know what to tell him about how it's done because I don't do it myself. Any thoughts?
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RE: Free handling Cobras
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by Cro on September 29, 2008
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Monte, there is nothing "safe" about free handling cobras.
Some of the folks in the photos are taking advantage of the tendency of some cobras to strike downward, and to focus their attention on something in front of themselves. This is even more true if the snake has raised up the front part of the body and hooded.
Cobras are fast moving snakes, and many cobras have no problem at all in turning around an striking and biting in a different direction.
Some folks like to tempt fait and show off. Perhaps they are a bit less likely to get bitten when handling cobras the way you describe, but it is dangerous, and it can encourage others with less experience to copy their actions.
Showing off, especially in front of a camera, would seem to be part of the human nature. All one has to do is look at hundeds of viedos that have cropped up on the internet, with the invent of digital "film."
Best Regards John Z
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RE: Free handling Cobras
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by lepidus on September 29, 2008
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That is pretty much what I thought, and again don't in any way advocate free handling hots of any type, much less elapids. Just wanted some confirmation. Thanks.
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RE: Free handling Cobras
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by Crotalusssp on September 30, 2008
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They are taking advantage of behavioral patterns of the animal. It is a calculated risk that I personally would not take. I am not criticizing others for doing it. It is just not a practice I personally would make a habit of.
Charles
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RE: Free handling Cobras
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by Buzztail1 on September 30, 2008
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It is my personal opinion that free handling venomous snakes of any kind leads to free handling of exorbitant hospital bills.
If your insurance company finds out that your bite was from negligence regarding proper handling techniques, you may be seeling your house, car, etc to pay your hospital bills.
Nothing quite like a bankrupt, homeless cobra owner!
Just my opinion.
Karl
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