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Snake Handling and Restraint (view source)
Revision as of 10:31, 17 August 2010
, 10:31, 17 August 2010→Physical restraint
*Some species must be handled with care, even though they are non-venomous, since they can be very aggressive. These include reticulated pythons and anacondas.
*Some species must be handled with care, even though they are non-venomous, since they can be very aggressive. These include reticulated pythons and anacondas.
*Large snakes, such as [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]], should not be handled by one person alone in case of an accident.
*Large snakes, such as [[Burmese Python|Burmese pythons]], should not be handled by one person alone in case of an accident.
*Some snakes may defecate during manual restraint so it is advisable for the [[Vent|vent]] and lower part of the body to be kept in a bag (e.g. pillow case).
*Some snakes may defecate during manual restraint so it is advisable for the vent and lower part of the body to be kept in a bag (e.g. pillow case).
===Handling===
===Handling===
Non-venomous snakes should be physically restrained by holding the head at the quadrate/mandible level and supporting the body of the snake. For every three to four feet of snake body, an extra handler should be positioned to support the spine. A snake should never be handled by being placed around the neck of a human. The behaviour of the animal should be observed from a distance prior to grasping. Large constrictors should only be handled when there are two people present. They are extremely powerful and a single handler is in danger of injury and even death. There may also be legal considerations regarding the possession of dangerous animals so ascertain that these are fulfilled.
Non-venomous snakes should be physically restrained by holding the head at the quadrate/mandible level and supporting the body of the snake. For every three to four feet of snake body, an extra handler should be positioned to support the spine. A snake should never be handled by being placed around the neck of a human. The behaviour of the animal should be observed from a distance prior to grasping. Large constrictors should only be handled when there are two people present. They are extremely powerful and a single handler is in danger of injury and even death. There may also be legal considerations regarding the possession of dangerous animals so ascertain that these are fulfilled.