Steve Irwin

[Jesssica]

Sorry, this is an obscure subject, but I just saw BWSmith's avatar....and I just have to add...YEAH! What the hell! That guy is completely insane!! Hilarious, but crazy....I love it when he's drive his Jeep, and sees a snake in the middle of the road, dives out while the car's still moving, flails all over the road and takes a flying leap at whatever poor animal he spotted. "Wow, she's REEALLly agitated and volatile....man, she's grumpy...maybe she'll calm down if I poke her with this stick....(poke poke) Remember, this isn't as easy as it looks, I'm a professional! (Poke, poke)" Ah....

[BWSmith]

I love it when he's drive his Jeep, and sees a snake in the middle of the road, dives out while the car's still moving
Hell I do that when snake hunting :D But if it is a hot, I use a hook!

But I think that this site is spit down the middle on Mr. Irwin.

[reptilez]

I always watch his show, hes a funny guy.....did anyone see his movie, i thought it stunk, stunk like dead eggs in an incubator.

[norman]

My boyfriend is telling me not to bring up Steve Irwin...apparently there are previous posts on the subject, and it is a rather tender issue....sorry for flogging a dead horse!!

[norman]

Whoopsy-doodle...I used the wrong screenname...that last post was supposed to be by 'Jesssica'...sorry if that was confusing...anyway....

[katev17]

Oh boy, not this one again... agreed with BW, it's split... and that's that! :p

Kate

[BAZ]

Well Stevo is quite the character but you know what... some people may not agree with his methods but i think he is one individual who has done A LOT to bring the message of conservation to the masses and I really believe that through him many people appreciate reptiles a lot more than they used to.

I like watching Corwin's show and O'Sheas show more than the Crocodile hunter but I think younger kids really appreciate his show. Who knows... maybe some kid will become the next David Attenborough because of Steve Irwin :D

[BWSmith]

I think every site has had the Irwin debate. I know I posted on RH and it had like 150 replies entiltled Steve Irwin, Friend or Foe? (http://www.reptilehaven.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=7690&145) . But maybe that is because I posted a link on the Croc Hunter Fan Site ;)

Plus, ya'll don't want to get me ranting again ;

[Ed_r]

Even better than old Stevo, was that one DOLT photographer they had on Animal Planet. Same think as Irwin but a lot more stupid. Opening shot he takes a hit from some small Adder, then later gets put in the hospital from I think a Cape Cobra. that was just pure lack of respect for the animals.

[JD@reptiles]

LoL i saw that show! that guy was a dumbass he got tagged by a snouted cobra and a peringuey's atter. 2 times in one show LMAO.

[Bryce Masuk]

it probley wasnt lack of respect for the animals. more like lack of understanding how they see you and how they move what they will do before they get in position to strike and where too touch and where to touch and how to do it

[norman]

Sorry for bringing this one up, guys! Uhh...forget I mentioned it....

[Zoe]

I really respect Steve Irwin for the knowledge and understanding of herps he brings to the world... However, I do agree he could be more careful, and less traumatizing to the reptiles. It's okay to pick one up for a minute, but if anyone saw the show where he was trying to get a really pissed off cobra out of a tree will know what i mean.

Zoe

[ReptiZone]

Ya i saw that show andI must say he dos know when to call it quits. I don't quiet like his ethicks but because I watched his show religiously it gave me the once over on crocodilians and handeling methods it realy helped me out when it came to handeling lrge alligators and spectacled caimans.

[Scales Zoo]

We feel that Steve Irwin and his show have done much to promote the enthusiasm for reptiles. However, he does not promote safety and respect to the same extent. The man is evidently gifted when it comes to dealing with reptiles, and has been fortunate not to be seriously injured whilst doing so. I admit that what comes naturally to one person can be difficult for another (as a former horse trainer and riding instructor I have witnessed this first hand) We distribute Midwest equipment and I have been tempted to send him a collapsible hook or tongs compliments of SCALES. He has been tailing snakes for so long, he would probably find a hook awkward and cumbersome, and it would definitely take away from the daredevil effect. We meet kids who idolize Steve during our educational presentations. It is amazing how many are disappointed we do not have cobras on public display. I have often been asked "could you hold the snake up by his tail like the crocodile hunter?" while holding a snake for the group to see. Rattlesnake bites have also increased in our area over the past few years, mostly tourists and uninformed hikers who wander into their area, encounter one, and beleive they can emulate Steve Irwin - one guy had on the full costume, complete with shorts and sandals, and was promptly bitten when he picked up a prairie rattler by the tail tti identify it. I guess the agitated rattling was not enough of a clue!
The dude RAN to get help from the ferry operator, and ended up in the hospital - I guess he missed the episode on invenomation.

[krrc]

I think he does a great job and I think his tailing methods are fine for him. But I dont belive he should do it on T.V. he should use a hook, there are too many stupid people that try and copy him.

[snakemann87]

krrr, i dont agree. He states every time, that he a proffesional and do not try this, does he not??

[Billybob]

I heard that he puts hots in the fridge before he handles them. I wouldnt be surprised cuz he claims to never have been bitten.

[snakemann87]

i dont believe any rumors. I believe that he is 100% what he says he is. Putting a hot in the fridge? it would die

[Lisa]

I remember the behind the scenes show where they showed the planting of snakes. I forget if they mentioned then that they cool the animals to make them less agitated or not. and putting a snake in the fridge for a short period will not kill it, as night time temps in many desert areas are fairly cold.

[Billybob]

Actually people do put snakes in the frige for very short periods of time so they can do whats needed to be done easier. I never have and never will do this cuz it cant be good for the snake.
The guy I talked to was a member of the local herp society who claims to have spoken to Irwins film crew. I dont Know if its true but its definetly possible.

[Scales Zoo]

There was a rumor that he uses a CO2 fiire extinguisher to cool/slow them down in the field. It makes sense, as a refrigerator would be less portable and inconvenient while field herping. A CO2 fire extinguisher would fit in a backpack, ready to use on-site.

[Nanashi04]

yea, I learned the hard way what happens when you bring Steve Irwin up. I'll admit he's entertaining, keeps my little sister busy, but I don't care much for him myself. Not because of lack of entertainment, simply because he annoys me - very repetative.