Archives of The Cold Blooded News

The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society

Volume 29, Number 3;   March, 2002

On Keeping Large Snakes

by Craig Stanton, CHS Member

We stand at a point where the general public feels recently threatened by our pets. Already, there have been city ordinances outlawing them, created from fear and misunderstanding. It amazes me that in a society filled with dangers, the public seeks to eliminate one of the most defenseless and predictable creatures. A snake has only its mouth and body for defense. Horses are responsible for thousands more deaths and accidents than snakes. Cats have claws and much larger teeth, I know a veterinary technician who was recently hospitalized for a week from a cat bite. Dogs kept by irresponsible owners tear into thousands of people a year, sometimes killing them. Even other human beings can be dangerous. If the people creating the regulations against pythons are trying to look out for us, they're not doing it very uniformly. People are malleable by media and prejudice against reptiles. We must accept the bad rap that our snakes have accrued, but do so only in attempt to rectify it. Proper education must ensue, and each and every python owner should be a part of it by demonstrating proper techniques to their friends and families. But what are these proper techniques? Where is the book of rules?

The American Federation of Herpetoculturalists (AFH) has a list of guidelines for the housing and transport of these large reptiles. They are as follows:

1. In consideration of the right of the general public not to be exposed unexpectedly to snakes such as large constrictors, and in consideration of the irresponsible behavior of certain snake owners, the AFH recommends that snakes not be openly displayed in a public setting outside of proper and established forums for such practices such as herpetological shows, educational displays, pet stores and presentations, and other special displays whereby members of the public are forewarned that a snake(s) may be displayed in the open.
   
   
2. The AFH recommends that all snakes be transported in a manner that precludes escape in a sturdy cloth bag free of holes or tears, which is then placed inside a box or similar container with holes for aeration. The box or container should then be sealed or locked shut. Another alternative is to double bag snakes. Care must be taken to use sturdy cloth bags with a weave that allows for adequate air flow. Airlines should be consulted as to their requirements when shipping snakes by air.
   
   
3. For the keeping of large constrictors eight feet or more, the AFH recommends general caging regulations whose effects are similar to those which require dog owners to keep their pets within the confines of their property. Caging regulations for large snakes should require owners of such snakes to house them in secure cages with hinged top or doors or a sliding glass front which include a locking mechanism. Such enclosures should preferably be contained in a large room modified to prevent snake escapes and with a door which shall be kept shut or locked when not occupied by the owners. This recommendation is made to require responsible herpetocultural practices by individuals in consideration for the animals, for family members, and for members of the general public. As herpetoculturists we will all benefit by adopting these responsible practices.
   
   
4. When handling any of the giant snakes (Green anaconda, Indian and Burmese python, African rock python, reticulated python, and amethystine python) over 8 feet, the AFH recommends that another individual be present or at the very least within calling reach. The probability of any serious problem occurring when handling such snakes is very remote but the AFH position is that herpetoculturists, out of responsibility to themselves, to family members and to other herpetoculturists, should handle and maintain large snakes in a manner that significantly prevents the likelihood of any accident or incident.
   
   
5. The AFH does not recommend the ownership of the above mentioned giant constrictors as well as other large (adult size over seven feet) boid snakes by minors without parental consent to assume responsibility for proper housing, maintenance and supervision when handling.
   
   
6. As with any other animals such as dogs, owners of large constrictors should remember that they can be liable for the medical costs of treating injuries as well as additional financial damages for traumas or damage caused by their animals.

These guidelines were reproduced from their appearance in DeVosjoli's "Burmese Pythons".

This is a good start, but I propose additions be made to include proper snake habits and proper handling techniques. For instance, "D", states that owners "should handle and maintain large snakes in a manner that significantly prevents the likelihood of any accident or incident". But it does not go on to describe what this includes or excludes. I propose we outline and prepare a list of do's and don'ts so that when people get injured while doing something less than smart, the blame is placed appropriately on the handler. Unfortunately we live in a society which find less and less personal responsibility. If there is not a sign saying don't do it, or a book of guidelines pointing out things that could be common sense, they assume it's safe. I see no reason why an outside organization such as the AFH, could not expand their guidelines to include more specifics. In this case, the recent fatality might have been prevented if the person watching had intervened. So I would propose an addition to section D above. It should also remind that the person attending should be comfortable with handling the snake and be ready to assist the handler in event of an emergency to save his or her life. The attending party should also be familiar with the proper handling techniques that would be further outlined. Not all snake owners know when their pet has turned into a wild animal, and sometimes it can be easy to miss. Many times the body expressions are subtle and people are easily misled by the mostly docile behavior. But, snakes do turn wild and from time to time revert to their completely natural predatory behavior, just like cats.

There is a plethora of information available on the web concerning care of large constrictors. Unfortunately there is very little to do with specific handling techniques. I found a pretty good one <www.pythons.net/handling.html> which is fairly thorough and complete. More of this kind of information needs to become available in a formal presentation to the novice herper who just bought a reticulated python! Accidents happen, and I don't believe we'll ever escape accidents involving large constrictors. However, most of these accidents are preventable through education. Our responsibility as members of a herpetological society is to just that, education and conservation. We need to act on that, even if the only motive is to conserve our freedom to keep the animals we love.

References:
DeVosjoli, Phillipe. 1991. The General care and Maintenance of Burmese Pythons. Advanced Vivarium Systems. Lakeside, CA. pages 4 & 5.