Q&A for How to Catch a Snake

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  • Question
    How do you remove garter snakes from your yard?
    Elmer Bensinger
    Pest Control Specialist
    Elmer Bensinger is a Pest Control Specialist with Eden Advanced Pest Technologies in Spokane, Washington. With over 20 years of experience, Elmer specializes in integrated pest management and products such as insecticides and rodenticides. He studied business at South Puget Sound Community College.
    Pest Control Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Grab some tongs, pick it up by the body very carefully, and set it in the woods or far away from your home. If you live in an area that's known to have venomous snakes, though, you should also call a professional snake handler for help.
  • Question
    What should I do if a snake bites me and no medical treatment is nearby?
    Community Answer
    Check out the helpful suggestions in this article about treating snake bites on wikiHow.
  • Question
    Can a lizard willingly drop it's tail after being bitten by a venomous snake?
    James Junglejim Eaton
    Community Answer
    Yes, if bitten by any kind of snake or other animal; though it does have to be a lizard that has fracture planes in the base of its tail. These are activated via an adrenaline flow after the lizard is caught. Not all lizards can shed their tails; monitors and iguanas, for example, cannot do this.
  • Question
    Will a snake bite me if I grab it near the head?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will definitely try -- after all, what other defense does a snake have from a large mammal? Be fast and know the correct hold to prevent it from biting you. Only do this if you absolutely know what to grab and what you're doing, otherwise don't even try.
  • Question
    How do I know if it's tame or not?
    James Junglejim Eaton
    Community Answer
    A captive snake will usually not try to escape from your advances. It is used to being handled so it shouldn't offer much resistance to being picked up gently. Treat it cautiously especially if you are not sure what type it may be.
  • Question
    Where can I buy snake catching gear?
    Community Answer
    You can order most of it online. Some pet stores may also sell snake hooks; they aren't very expensive.
  • Question
    What if I don't know what type of snake it is?
    James Junglejim Eaton
    Community Answer
    If you are not sure what kind of snake you have discovered, leave it alone rather than risking a venomous bite.
  • Question
    Why don't you tell people the real way to catch snakes by hand?
    Birds101
    Community Answer
    This could be dangerous, considering that many snakes are venomous and potentially deadly.
  • Question
    If you pick up a snake by its tail, can it coil and bite?
    James Junglejim Eaton
    Community Answer
    Yes. Snakes backbones are articulated in such a way that it is very easy for them to reach behind. IDo not handle a snake in this way. It could even hurt the snake.
  • Question
    How do you put a large escaped snake in its enclosure?
    Community Answer
    If it's tame and non-venomous, and you're okay handling the snake, you can just pick it up and put it back, and it won't hurt you. If it's not tame and you've read the tutorial, all you need to do is is follow the instructions, and instead of putting it back outside, put it in the enclosure.
  • Question
    Can I use a snake hook?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how you use the snake hook. You have to hook the snake close to its head. If you hook the snake towards the middle, then you still might get bitten.
  • Question
    If I throw boiled water in its hole, can it will come back out?
    Community Answer
    Don't thro boiling water in the place where the snake went. Doing this could result in you getting burnt or the snake getting injured or killed.
  • Question
    If I get a container lid and put glue and an egg on it, would that be like a glue trap?
    Community Answer
    No, because it would dry quickly. Do not use glue traps, even if you don't intend on keeping the snake, as it is very inhumane and dangerous to the snake.
  • Question
    What is better, snake tongs or a hook?
    Community Answer
    To catch a snake, I would recommend a hook. Tongs can potentially injure the snake if used incorrectly.
  • Question
    Can a snake bite you if you grab it by the neck area?
    Community Answer
    They can if you don't grab it close enough to the back of the head.
  • Question
    May I grab it with bare hands?
    Birds101
    Community Answer
    This is definitely not advised, as it can be dangerous.
  • Question
    How do I catch tiger snakes?
    Randall FAN
    Community Answer
    Tiger snakes are highly venomous and I suggest you not catch them. They are usually found in southern parts of Australia.
  • Question
    What should I say if a child wants to catch a snake?
    Community Answer
    Unless you know what type of snake it is, or at least know that it is not venomous, you should express extreme caution. If you really want to let the child get a close view of it, it's better to capture it yourself and allow the child to hold it.
  • Question
    If I find a snake nest with a baby snake in it, and I try to grab the baby snake, will I get bitten?
    Bunnycorn Murderer
    Community Answer
    A baby snake will definitely bite you. They thrash around more, and if they are venomous, they will release more venom than adults. The bite won't necessarily be bad, but they do carry diseases, so I recommend you get checked out by a doctor if you get bitten.
  • Question
    Can a snake coil you up without biting?
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    Some snakes, like boa constrictors, don't have effective teeth and kill by crushing.
  • Question
    How can I tame a snake?
    Community Answer
    I would not recommend it. Try buying a handraised snake online, like on Craigslist. They already like people and know how to eat their food.
  • Question
    Could a snake be caught on an uneven surface without any risk?
    Kassidy Wallgren
    Community Answer
    A snake can never be captured without any risks. Snakes can and will bite! Also, if you are on an uneven surface, it can be harder to catch it.
  • Question
    What is the best bait for catching a western diamondback rattlesnake?
    Community Answer
    You can purchase frozen mice at most pet stores, and follow the instructions to thaw them. Keep in mind that these are venomous snakes that only harm people in self-defense, and should be left alone unless there is a really good reason to catch one. In addition, glue traps are very inhumane and should be avoided.
  • Question
    What is a yellow and black snake - 4-6 feet long?
    Community Answer
    That is a coral snake. Remember, "Yellow and black is my friend Jack (non-venomous), red and yellow will kill a fellow (venomous)."
  • Question
    I caught a wild reticulated python last week, and unfortunately it escaped. What should I do to trap it? It's size is about 12-15 feet long.
    Community Answer
    Call a professional. You don't want someone to get hurt.
  • Question
    Is a water moccasin venomous?
    Jonahthesmart
    Community Answer
    Yes, water moccasins are highly venomous and can kill with one bite. If you see one, never attempt to touch or pick it up unless you are a trained herpetologist or zoologist.
  • Question
    If I encounter a snake group, should I run away?
    Jonahthesmart
    Community Answer
    Most of the time the snake will go away due to the vibration of you walking. Snakes are mostly solitary and keep to themselves unless they are mating or in hibernation. If you encounter a venomous snake like a rattlesnake and hear the rattle, look to see where it is coming from and move in the opposite direction. Never try to walk past it because they can strike half their body length.
  • Question
    What are the best snake habitats?
    Fiona Shepley
    Top Answerer
    You answer depends on the species. They can be found in forests, meadows, wetlands, marshes, sometimes in sand barrens and dunes. Do some specific research on the snakes native to your area so that you can be aware of which ones are around you.
  • Question
    Will it hurt the snake to grab it by the head?
    Fiona Shepley
    Top Answerer
    Yes, never grab a snake by the head. You can gently hold their neck (keep your grip fairly loose, not too tight). Although generally it isn’t necessary to do this, just support the body with both hands.
  • Question
    How do you hold a snake?
    Fiona Shepley
    Top Answerer
    Support the middle of their body with both hands. Let them slither from hand to hand.
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