Snake Handling Errors 101

I cringed watching the videos below (moved to comment area due to configuration problems). One of the reasons you stick to working with the best handlers in the industry is to avoid getting your host bit by a venomous snake. In Snake Handling 101 specific instructions are that you do not put the host at risk–in other words–don’t get the host bit.

In many cases you slow the reptile down by keeping them in a cooler temperature prior to taking them onto the set. This is because the lights on a set, or out under the hot sun, make a snake more active. This is because they are ectothermic.

In the videos below both snakes are “hot” meaning they are agitated. There are a lot of errors in the shots but rather than outline them, I’ll just let you cringe, too. I’d be interested in having you assess the videos and leave a comment on what you think might have been done better.

One of the best snake guys in the industry is Jim Brockett. I have not been on a set for a while now but the last time we worked together I told him that I appreciated that he worked with venomous creatures because I certainly didn’t have a desire to do so–and he thanked me–because it just means more work for him.

One thing about animal trainers aka wranglers–we all seem to have warped senses of humor and smart mouths. Must be a prerequisite to working in the field…

Anyway, below show two stupid, risky examples of snake handling. You never want to put the host at risk…enough said. (The first video was a staged stunt–done in bad taste)