Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sure this has been asked many times on here in the past but is it harmful to snakes to use flash as they cant close their eyes. I have always avoided using flash because I wasn't sure and I didn't want to take any chances on hurting or stressing them.

Thanks

I've never had any complaints

Big Dan

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Dan

I have noticed that certain snakes will flinch when the flash goes off, whereas others don't. It seems more common if the snakes are coiled up "sleeping" such as in a zoo.

I watch the snake's reaction and make sure they aren't too disturbed. If they are, I turn it off.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

>>I'm sure this has been asked many times on here in the past but is it harmful to snakes to use flash as they cant close their eyes. I have always avoided using flash because I wasn't sure and I didn't want to take any chances on hurting or stressing them.

Flash use is standard in much of herp photography. The eyelid argument doesn't really hold - after all, most photos of people are also of our openeyes, which were therefore exposed to flash.

As Chris said, some reptiles react to it, other don't - if you feel you are stressing a herp with your flash, then don't use it.

Cheers,

Wolfgang
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WW Home

I guess my snake photos will improve greatly now! I'll have to figure out how to post them now