Our current policy goes like this. Since the majority of calls we get describing an 8 foot long rattlecobra with 6 inch fangs dripping human blood actually turn out to be a garter snake, the closest volunteer is sent to the scene regardless of whether or not they are venomous licensed. Most of the time they will be able to catch and relocate the garter snake or rat snake or racer without needing any license other than the no-cost nuisance wildlife removal permit. People are remarkably bad about identifying snakes on the phone, especially when they are frightened.



If the volunteer goes to the scene and the snake is in fact venomous, they are supposed to call the hotline back and get the nearest licensed volunteer dispatched. Though if simple relocation out of harm's way is an option in a rural area (as in, chase the rattlesnake back into the bushes about 50 feet) they may legally do so under their nuisance removal permit if they do not take possession of the snake.



I like short distance translocation whenever feasible, as it cuts down on the expenses. Non relocatable animals (eg, picked up in downtown Orlando with no suitable habitat anywhere nearby) have to be taken in, given health examinations and treatment, gotten acclimated and feeding and then adopted out. That costs money, so the "dump in the bushes" option is a pretty good one from my point of view. Unfortunately it's not always the best or safest one for the snake.

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