Proper Snake Handling Equipment is Important

As wildlife biologists, Nancy and I are called upon to move many venomous snakes each year as a part of our job or as a favor for friends or neighbors. As a part of our job we capture the snakes, identify them, weigh them, measure them, sex them and then release them in a safe area away from roads. To accomplish this we must utilize a variety of snake handling equipment, always keeping in mind the fact that many cases of snakebite occur when "professionals" or "experts" become complacent. We try to minimize the danger to ourselves by minimizing the actual touch time with the snake and the use of quality equipment. We certainly know the value of having the best equipment available for our job. A snake hook or tong that bends with the weight of a nice sized Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is not a good tool to have in your arsenal. The equipment we utilize is designed with our safety and the safety of the snake in mind. The hooks and tongs we use are made of aircraft quality aluminum so it would take quite an ordeal to damage the tools. A snake tong with a wide jaw provides for a safe grip on both the top and the bottom of the snake and provides much more support than an economy tong. It also cuts down on damage to the snake if an inexperienced person grabs the snake with a tong and squeezes too hard on the hand grips. We always use restraining tubes to immobilize the snake while we are working with them in hand. Always remember to use a a tube that is small enough so that the snake cannot turn around in it or you may get bitten. Restraining tubes are utilized by slipping one end over the head and body of a snake until about half of the snake is inside the tube. The body is then grasped at the point where it exits the tube. One hand should hold the body of the snake and the tube simultaneously. This assures that the snake cannot back out of the tube. Tubes are used to increase the safety factor during probing to sex the snake or doing minor veterinary work. When sexing the snakes we utilize sexing probes with ball tips which have gone through extensive deburring and polishing processes to assure the smoothest surface available for the protection and comfort of the snake. All beginners should read the instructions carefully and/or seek the guidance of an experienced herpetologist before attempting to probe a snake. The snake may easily be injured if the procedure is not done properly.

Whether you are working with snakes in the field or with caged specimens in your reptile room, having the proper snake handling equipment is important for both you and the snake. Be smart. Spend a little more for a quality, safe product.