How to Hold a Snake (the right way!)
Learning how to hold a snake isn’t something they teach in school but it’s one of those things that you absolutely can learn how to do! While it isn’t the same as picking up a cat, dog or other “four legged” pet, it’s easy and so rewarding. That said there are ways that are safe to hold a snake, for both the person handling and the snake!
This week, we’re digging into 2 ways that you shouldn’t hold a snake and the proper ways to do so! Ready to learn? Let’s dive in!
*note: this guide is meant for pet snakes or snakes that you know. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HANDLE A SNAKE YOU CAN NOT CONFIDENTLY ID! While most snakes are harmless, there are venomous snakes and while they will typically leave a human alone, they WILL defend themselves in certain situations.*
Never Grab Behind the Head
While this is often intended to prevent a bite, all it really succeeds in doing is making the snake feel like he’s being trapped or even worse, predated upon. Snakes are prey animals as much as they are predators so they do fear being hunted.
Not only does this cause undue stress on the snake, it really won’t prevent any bites because snakes ARE flexible and can pretty easily break out of that grip.
Don’t Pick a Snake Up by the Tail
Snakes may look like tubes but the truth is there is more to a snake than a head and tail. The tail only makes up a small portion of the snake’s body. When you pick a snake up by the tail, you put a lot of physical strain on the body, including the spine.
Again, this method is meant to prevent bites but I’ve seen snakes come back up or behind to land a lovely bite on a handler.
Be Calm and Confident.
You don’t want to seem like you’re nervous because snakes CAN pick up that nervous energy. How do they interpret it? They think you’re hunting them. Snakes aren’t super bright so they just naturally assume you want to eat them. Gross.
Instead, calming approach the snake and confidently pick the snake up.
Provide Support in Multiple Points of the Body.
The healthiest way to pick up a snake is to provide its long body with support. You want to allow their body to rest on you in the midsection and rear section. This allows their weight to be evenly distributed which takes pressure off the long spine and allows them to feel more secure.
Use a Gentle Grip
The key to handling a snake is not to make them feel trapped. Keep a gentle grip and allow them to move freely. This really ensures that the experience is enjoyable for both you and the snake.
