Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok well ive seen alot of people handle venomous snakes right out of the egss or even a day out of the eggs why dont they bite them? is there an instinct that kicks in after it feeds or somthing?

There are no snakes that prey upon humans. They are not like tigers or other large predators. Bites to humans are from fright, a reaction to being stepped on or that type of contact, defense, or mistaken for a prey item (like when your hand smells like a mouse) Those pictures you are referring to are irresponsible because they show a disregard for the potential danger, which, forgetting about death for a moment, could lead to severe tissue destruction, permanent disability or disfigurement, or amputation. Many venomous snakes (just like many normally spastic non venomous) can learn that their caregiver means them no harm, and will not bite because of the fright, contact, defense, etc mentioned before. They may instantly and without any apparent human reason, change their friggin little minds.

ok thanks

These people are not bitten due to one thing...luck. A newly hatched/born venomous snake is fully capable of delivering a dangerous bite, and while their yield may not be nearly as large as that of an adult, they are dangerous animals as soon as the hatch or are born....

I too have seen pictures of people free handling young venomous snakes, and these people are acting in an irresponsible manner that could potentially damage the hobby for everyone. I've even seen a picture of a guy free handling a young black mamba...just plain dumb.

These snakes are just as apt to bite as an adult...possibly more so as they have not been conditioned to recognize that is a threat and what isn't...The people that do this have nothing protecting them from a trip to the hospital/morgue other than lady luck...and she's known to change her mind quite often.

-AzAtrox

ok thanks guys for clearing things up about that and i also saw the small mamba being free handeld it was crazy

o and it was cobra man

I figured you guys were talking about Ray Hunter. A lot of people know, but he worked with Bill Haast for many years and injects himself with venom every 21 days. He doesn't suggest others follow the same path as himself, as you never know how you'll react to such a regular procedure.

I don't really know if he was innoculating himself with mamba venom at the time of that photo.

Last I knew, he was keeping a number of non-african cobras and boomslangs. He had a resistance for all of these animals.

It's pretty much impossible to live your life without making at least some people unhappy. I usually try not to stick up for everyone's actions all the time. I've only known Ray for a few years, but I've had great experiences with him. He's been a great guy and his collection was amazing. I just wanted to share a bit more info about cobraman since the topic came up.

If the guy wants to shoot hiself full of snake venom, that's his business...if he wants to free handle venomous snakes, that's his business too...But when it comes to the possible consequences of free handling those animals for ALL of us, THAT'S where I have an issue....

I don't know him so I'm not making any judgements as to his husbandry skills...All accounts I've heard have been similar to yours...but for one to post pics of oneself free handling dangerously venomous snakes does nothing constructive for herpers in the eyes of the public...in fact, it reinforces the idea that we're all weirdos with death wishes that should be banned from keeping the animals we care for....Doesn't matter what the truth is...the truth is one's perception and that's all alot of people need to see to form their own truths.

-AzAtrox