realeasing snake bite?

[crazyboy]

what do you find most effective in getting a snake to release when they are biting you? is this safe? i have heard of dipping their head in warm water, using lemon juice, and using alchohal.

[Matt.B]

A drop if alchahol in the mouth or vinager works.
Matt

[crazyboy]

ok thanks

[gonesnakee]

I've found that holding them under in a tub full of cold water quite effective & water will never hurt them in any way. If the cold water don't make em let go they eventually have to let go to breathe. I myself would never use alcohol, lemon juice, vinegar etc. for my snakes sake, just because. If I had a large Boid attached to me though I would consider a shot of Isopropyl Alcohol though as this is a more serious affair, but as far as the Colubrids go the under water thing works great, as most will release right away, with the exception of the odd stubborn Kingsnake LOL Mark

[crazyboy]

thanks

[rwg]

Funny you mention the kingsnake. I've only been bitten once. Our baby king bites anything that moves when hungry. The first time she did, I just waited for her to release...10 minutes, and still holding. I put her under water for at least 2 minutes...no release. I was worried she might drown and brought her up. Put her back down again for probably 2 minutes (in her water dish) and she let go. Chased my fingers out of her rubbermaid. :)

I've been told since then that putting their heads near (NOT UNDER) hot running water will scare them into releasing. Never had the chance to try it. Anyone ever try this?

rg

[Retic chic]

I would prefer to use vinegar over isopropyl alcohol, the alcohol is quite harsh and poisonous, and could probably be put to better household uses. Vinegar can be used full strength, or diluted with water, and used in a spray bttle for polishing glass, or to convince a snake or lizard to let go.

[Cruciform]

When we were at Little Rays, Ray said that they keep a bucket of hot (not scalding) water handy for the big snakes. If they tag you, a splash of hot water will make them release instantly, as they can't thermoregulate that heat away and must retreat. But too much heat could do serious harm.

[Scales Zoo]

Originally posted by Cruciform
a splash of hot water will make them release instantly, as they can't thermoregulate that heat away and must retreat. But too much heat could do serious harm.

I am not sure I would want the hot water, as it would likely be splashed on the victim as well. A stock prod would also effect the release, but the discomfort range is a little overboard. Not saying that putting vinegar in an open mouth and wound is the most exhilarating experience for the reptile or the person, but vinegar is food grade, readily available to use hot or cold, and unless swallowed or aspirated in large quantities, quite harmless.

[Lisa]

We've had best luck with very warm water (hot enough to be uncomfortable yet not hot enough to burn). 45-50 degrees C should be enough. snakes can hold their breath for along time and cold or cool water just slows down their reaction time.

[Crotalus75]

If the snake is really large I firmly yet gently pry it off. If I don't feel that there is going to be more than superficial damage done I sometimes let it do its thing until it lets go. I have dunked nasty specimens under really cold water with good results. I have heard that a drop of everclear or rubbing alcohol applied to the nostrils works, but I have never tried it.

[JonD]

You could always try reasoning with it!!:D

[crazyboy]

lol...thanks

[Yness]

I haven't had a tag that is sticky yet...Its all been catch and release if you will. Thanks for some of the suggestions tho cause I know that it is just a matter of time before i do get grabbed onto.

[proud2bcanadian]

Does getting bitten by a snake hurt? lol
It's never happened to me before, so I have no clue!

[Gary D.]

Personal experience, pouring warm water over the snake's head (mouth up, so it flows in) has worked quickly if not immediately 100% of the time. And depending on the type of strike, it can hurt, but for the most part they're not too bad. I think that pouring isopropyl alcohol in a fresh wound would hut more.

[crazyboy]

ok...thanks