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RE: How to Handle Venomous Snakes
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by Cro on November 14, 2008
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Some venomous snakes can quickly turn back when being held by the tail. A good example are Coral Snakes, which I often catch by picking them up by the tail. (don't try this, as it is very dangerous). The reason for capturing them that way, is because wild ones do not ride a snake hook very well at all, and at times it is the only way to catch them before they dissapear down a hole. You have to wait until the Coral Snake is crawling away from you, and after you pick it up by the tail, you have to watch it constantly and "shake it back down" as it tries to turn upward and bite you. A half second of not paying attention will get you bitten.
Another use for tailing is to "steer" a large heavy bodied snake back into a cage. Many snakes learn to not want to return into a cage if they are taken out. In cases like that, it is sometimes best to support the front half of the snake with a hook, and support the tail section by hand, or with a second hook, and steer the snake head first back into the cage. I have developed a "short," extremely strong tailing snake hook, just for that purpose. This hook is only a foot long, but will support the back half of large snakes, and make "tailing" them a bit safer than using your hands. It works well for venomous snakes like Gaboon Vipers and large Rattlesnakes.
Something that I have noticed in many photos of people tailing snakes, is that they grab the snakes too close to the end of the tail, where there is minimal support for the snake. A snake being tailed should be gripped in the thicker part of the tail, about half way beteen the vent and the tail tip.
Also, never, never, never try to tail small venomous snakes. They can turn 180 degrees on you so quick that you will not have a chance of avoiding a bite. Don't ever take a chance doing that.
Best Regards John Z
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RE: How to Handle Venomous Snakes
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by LadyBloodRose on November 18, 2008
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Ya know John thats soemthing I am incrediblys elf consious about is how far down I grasp a snake that I am tailing. I rember here lil while back i was tailing my redtail green ratsnake for a video I was doing at the time an talking about her, an when I went back an watched it I was shocked at how I was holding him, least to say I didn't use the footage lol.
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