fact or myth?

[Snakeman]

i finally remembered to post this thanks to a thread.

there have been some times when a large python or boa might will constrict their owner for some reason.normally i know that alcohol would(or so they say it does) or hot water would get the snake to release. well i saw this snake show on a channel(cant remember where) and it said that if you twist back the tail of a LARGE python (boa as well?), that the snake will quickly release its grip. is this true?

[JLC]

There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that such tactics will work. But there are also plenty of stories where all such tricks failed to make the snake release. There's no single absolutely certain "trick" to get a snake to release when it is in the throws of a feeding response...that I've ever heard of.


The very best, safest, and most reliable way to get a snake to release is to "play dead." The lack of movement and struggle is what triggers the snake's instincts to let go. This may take awhile to occur and in the meantime, you just have to deal with it and be very patient and not panic until the snake lets go.

And I can't say it enough...when dealing with giant snakes, there must always be at least one other person present in case of a feeding error "attack." No matter what tricks you know or how experienced you are...if a giant gets a strangle-hold on you...there's a good chance you won't be able to get out of it on your own.