Hey folks,

As all of us know, owning reptiles (or any animal, for that matter) means you're going to get bit at one point in time. I was "fortunate" enough to have an adult savannah monitor who's on a diet latch on to my finger that, apparently, looked and smelled absolutely delicious.

I've been working with various herps my entire life, and am no stranger to getting tagged by a snake from time to time. However (until today) I'd only had a ball python bite and hold on. I've always been a "wait it out" type of person, but I can't say that this particular bite was very pleasant. Not worse than what an amped up bearded dragon has done to be, but still not comfortable!

I've read that many people will hold a cottonball or rag soaked in rubbing alcohol up to the nose to get them to release, as this stings the mucous membranes but doesn't harm the animal. Any one have any other suggestions or success with this method? I've heard the stories of holding the animal under water until they release for air, but I was hoping for something a little more "gentle" than that in the case I'm ever in this situation with a larger reptile again.

Thanks!