Is keeping a snake safe?
Poisonous or other dangerous snakes should be avoided by all but the most experienced snake enthusiast, and even then liability issues make these kinds of snakes a poor choice. Most snakes can live a very long time in captivity, so be aware of this when you are choosing one for your home.
Why you should not pet a snake?
It is in their nature to shy away from people. They especially do not enjoy being handled. It does not matter if you just hold the snake, pet the snakes, or pass it around and let other handle it, these activities result in a high level of stress on the snake and could result in accidental injury.
Is it safe to have an encounter with a snake?
The vast majority of encounters between people and snakes are with non-venomous, harmless snakes. It is critical that you understand that snakes aren’t “aggressive” and don’t hunt or chase people, but they can strike without coiling first.
How to keep snakes away during snake season?
Keep pests under control. Rodents are a good food source for snakes – less food means less snakes. Bird aviaries and chook pens can be very attractive to snakes. Keep your enclosure secure, clean and free of rodents. Ensure you have a fine mesh or shade cloth around the outside of any aviary so our snake friends don’t get stuck in the wire.
Why are snakes a hazard to outdoor workers?
Additionally, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods and droughts, may affect the risk of worker encounters with venomous snakes [Wozniak et al., 2006]. For example, a 20-year study in California found that snakebites increased after precipitation events and decreased during droughts [Phillips et al., 2018].
What should I know about working with snakes?
Use only with snakes you are authorized to work with. E.g., if you are not authorized to work with venomous snakes, then do not (ever) open any cage that houses a venomous snake. NEVER look down into a cage that contains a venomous snake without wearing eye protection. NEVER place hands inside a cage that contains a venomous snake.
The vast majority of encounters between people and snakes are with non-venomous, harmless snakes. It is critical that you understand that snakes aren’t “aggressive” and don’t hunt or chase people, but they can strike without coiling first.
When is it safe to handle a rattlesnake?
Snake Safety Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat. Most snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled
Is it safe to transport a dead snake?
• Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done safely. Do not waste time hunting for the snake, and do not risk another bite if it is not easy to kill the snake. Be careful of the head when transporting it – a snake can actually bite for up to an hour after it’s dead.
What should you do if you find a snake in your yard?
Most snake bites occur when people try to catch or kill a snake. Keep children away from the snake. If the snake is outside in your yard, send your children into the house. Keep dogs and cats away from the snake. Deter inquisitive pets by hosing them with water. Lock them away if possible.
