Holding Gaboon viper

[tcutting]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UETfZLsWWAM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6F99VFc4GY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4nmMTgJHA0

and really many of the video clips from that series he is doing things that are less than stellar from what most all of us would consider proper venomous handling practice. just saying.

[John1982]

you know he didnt always only tail them. just saying I am pretty certain I saw video of Steve letting a Australian brown snake crawl around face and head while loosely handling it as well. I will see what I can find.

And I will gladly call him an idiot for making that video if/when you find it - much as I loved the man's enthusiasm and all that he did for animals in general. I just can't picture him purposefully doing such a thing.

[John1982]

Checking out some videos now.

[John1982]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UETfZLsWWAM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6F99VFc4GY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4nmMTgJHA0

and really many of the video clips from that series he is doing things that are less than stellar from what most all of us would consider proper venomous handling practice. just saying.

Every time he actually handles one of the venomous he is tailing it or using another object to maintain control the animal. There are some instances where he allows one to crawl near him while maintaining stillness and calm but this is completely different than cradling a young viper in your hands or purposefully placing it in your lap. One of the major messages in the series seems to be that snakes aren't out to get you and if you just leave them alone, remain calm, and give them a wide berth then you should be ok.

[Gio]

Yep. Similarly, Ohio very quickly went from being one of the more relaxed states in regards to exotics in general to being one of the more restrictive. All in reaction to a single incident.

If I recall OH or at least certain municipalities in the state put a ban on Pit Bulls too.

Lots of knee jerk reactions it seems.

I have enjoyed bringing my collection into my kid's elementary school and showing them to the kids. I was very happy at how receptive the principal and teachers were. Of course the kids loved it, but I'm really considering staying on the down-low and just keeping the snakes a family thing.

I love getting the word out, but as pointed out 1 simple incident/accident will overshadow 100 positive presentations.

[natethegreat1419]

More balls than me because even though I might live would not want to go through that kind of pain for no good reason

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[tbowman]

More balls than me because even though I might live would not want to go through that kind of pain for no good reason

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*Less brains than you

[natethegreat1419]

*Less brains than you

Definitely.

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[Kayak Steve]

Snake version of Russian Roulette.

[tbowman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UETfZLsWWAM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6F99VFc4GY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4nmMTgJHA0

and really many of the video clips from that series he is doing things that are less than stellar from what most all of us would consider proper venomous handling practice. just saying.

There is a big difference between a viper and an elapid. Anyone who's worked venomous for real will tell you that elapids are much more predictable. The most experienced people in the world will tail a cobra because it's generally safe once you understand the body mechanics of elapids. Vipers, especially Gaboons, are extremely unpredictable and they can hit you from any angle at any time. I don't see many professionals putting hands on a pit viper unless it's absolutely required.