Quality Snake Handling Tools are Important

During the course of our work as professional herpetologists my wife and I are called upon hundreds of times each year to handle snakes, many of them venomous. We have found that quality equals safety in the tools that we utilize for our trade. When working in the field we gather data on every snake we see. This data includes identification of the snake to species, weighing it, measurement from snout to vent, sexing and approximate age (young of the year, juvenile, adult). Notes on the habitat the snake was found in and current weather conditions are also taken. How does one handle the snake safely to obtain this data? We utilize quality professional snake handling equipment. 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 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.


Always remember that inexperienced people should not handle venomous snakes. If you do not know if a snake is venomous, leave it alone and walk away. Experience may be gained in snake handling by working with and under the direct guidance of an experienced herpetologist, zoo keeper or curator of snakes. Venomous snakes should generally not be handled while you are alone.


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.