Snake Handling- How to learn??

[JessicaG]

I live on a farm in NW Mississippi. I have horses and dogs that like to hunt snakes (I know, it irks me, too). Once they see them, they won't relent. I have been seeing a LOT of snakes this year. I am not afraid of them and would not mind relocating them away from the high traffic areas of my property, but I'm not confident on handling them. I had snakes pet snakes growing up and know how to handle those, but don't know how to handle wild snakes. How can this skill be aquired?? Anyone near Memphis willing to help a newbie out?

I bought a book that has been helpful in identification, but I've got one living by my pond right now that I'm not sure of. I'm not liking the shape of his head and suspect he might be venemous. I'll post another message with a pic to see if someone can help out.

Thanks!

[infernalis]

sSnakeSs.com - Rules (http://www.ssnakess.com/index.php?page=rules)

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[stephanbakir]

Welcome to the forums. With non venomous snakes you can just tail them and walk them out, gloves/long pants/long shirts will avoid any bites until you have a hang of it.

[SSSSnakes]

A set f snake tongs and a catch bag, works great. Just crab the snake with the tongs and put him in the bag and then relocate him. This way you do not have to worry if the snake was venomous or not. A 5 gal bucket with a lid also works in place of a snake bag.

[stephanbakir]

Snake tongs are CRAP in inexperienced hands. When I was working for the SPCA, and animal relocation, I went in after "experienced snake handlers" went in with snake tongs, most of the time the snake was dead or dying. They can do WAY more damage then most people know in the wrong hands.
A pair of snake hooks would be way better then tongs.

[SSSSnakes]

Snake tongs are CRAP in inexperienced hands. When I was working for the SPCA, and animal relocation, I went in after "experienced snake handlers" went in with snake tongs, most of the time the snake was dead or dying. They can do WAY more damage then most people know in the wrong hands.
A pair of snake hooks would be way better then tongs.

Any equipment that it not used properly can be dangerous to the handler and the snake. I think the point of this thread is "How to learn". You must have proper training to use any equipment. The equipment is not crap, it's the experience of the person using it. Most professional fields herpers use tongs when dealing with venomous snakes in the wild. As a matter of fact they use a combination of tongs and hooks to control the snakes.

[stephanbakir]

My exact wording was "Snake tongs are CRAP in inexperienced hands." I believe it is important to advise someone about the pros AND cons when advising equipment.

If I were to advise someone to use snake tongs, I would advise them of the potential risk to the animal, and that training with that item could avoid potential harm the person might have otherwise inflicted without training.

[UwabamiReptiles]

You could just pick them up, use tongs, or a hook. I think the most important thing would be to make sure you recognize what you're picking up. Definitely keep your book handy. As far as how to go about actually moving the snake, use whatever method is most comfortable for you. I personally would go for the hook approach, but that is just what I'm comfortable with.