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Is it safe to handle a snake with bare hands?



Some people may feel comfortable holding a non-venomous snake in their bare hands, but it is a much better idea to wear gloves at all times when handling a snake. The gloves should ideally be made of a thick material that cannot be pierced by a snake’s bite.

In order to move a snake, snake tongs can be used for small snakes and snake hooks are better for bulkier snakes. You should also have with you a strike proof snake bag where you can put the snake. Thick welding gloves may protect a person against snake bites from the small teeth of non-venomous snakes, but they cannot protect you against the fangs of pit vipers such as the cotton mouth, copperhead and rattlesnake. Snake boots should be worn while walking in tall grass and snake pants are also a good idea.

There are many ways in which a snake can be caught without getting injured. You may pick the snake up by the tail while supporting the front using a branch or stick. You may also pick up the snake by grasping it firmly by the head if you know that it is a non-venomous snake. Of course, in both of these scenarios you will want to wear thick gloves for your protection. There is always a risk when handling a snake, so you will need to take as many safety precautions as possible. There are experts that may pick up a snake without fear, but the novice has to always assume that the snake may bite. The use of special instruments like snake tongs can make the handling much safer and easier. The safest way of dealing with the snake is not touching the snake at all. There are many ways that a person can do this task will tools that are available and even household items like a broom. For example, a snake found in the yard can be pushed into a bin using a broom instead of using bare hands.

People may handle their pet snakes or small, non-venomous snakes with their bare hands and not experience any problems. However, when dealing with snakes in the wild, it is always best to take every precaution, and one of the best safety measures you can take is wearing thick gloves that will be impenetrable to a snake’s bite.

Go back to the How to Get Rid of Snakes page or email us if you have any other questions about Is it safe to handle a snake with bare hands?