Bare Hand Snake Catching?

Question

I hate wearing gloves and carrying around a special stick for snake catching so I've decided I'm going bare handed, but the problem is being bit. When a garter latched on to the side of my hand l tried to pull its jaw off of my hand, but that only put cuts into my finger and then when i got the snake off it's mouth filled with blood and it wouldnt stop bleeding. how do l get a snake off thats latched on to me without hurting it, or making my hand worse? l'm guessing some of his teeth pulled out or it bit its own mouth

i usually wear gloves and carry a stick but the gloves are so hot, and now the weather is in the 90s i feel like im suffocating my hands and the stick is annoying because i ride my bike to the bogs

9its not me im worried about... ITS THE SNAKES! the garter snake's mouth filled with blood after it bit me and im afraid they could choke on their own blood

and some more things- i know how to catch a snake i just need tips on not hurting them because i like to study them. also some of the snakes are 4 ft long. the garter was just a small thing

Answer 1

I've hunted snakes for years bare-handed and never had one do that.

The trick is- when you are bitten, let them let go. The injury to the snake comes when you jerk on them when they bite. The jerk is a natural reaction, but one you have to get over. Pulling a snake off injures it badly because of the way the teeth are curved. Relax and let it let go.

The other rule to learn is knowing which snakes to grab and how. Garters bite- it is in their rule book. They bite, squirm, and defecate. Only grab a Gartersnake if there is a reason to- otherwise let them go and focus on 'cooler' snakes.

If you MUST grab a garter, do it by the head if you cannot control your reactions.

FYI- other biters are: racers, rat snakes, ribbon snakes, and as far as I can tell, ANY snakes that live within eyesite of water. I have to admit that I rarely bare-hand Watersnakes- they are just a lot of sharp teeth wrapped around a bad attitude.

Answer 2

How To Catch A Snake

Answer 3

Wear gloves, use a stick (doesn't have to be an expensive snake-grappling stick, you can make your own out of thick wire), or learn how to do it without getting bitten.


EDIT: You've gotten some good advice, if you're that worried about the snakes then DON'T PULL THEM OFF! It will eventually let go on its own, you might have to put it on the ground to get it to relax, other than that just deal with it and be patient.

Answer 4

The only thing you can do that wont hurt the snake and wont hurt you anymore is to let the snake let go of your hand on its own. It may take a couple minutes, but when you grab the snake as its biting you the snake will only grab harder and will hang on longer. When you get bit hold the body of the snake and not squeeze the snake just lightly hold it. Or you can put your hand to ground level so the snakes body is on the ground, it may let go faster if its on the ground and you aren't holding on to it.....Good Luck.

Answer 5

OK i personally also do bare hand snake catching. i have been bit in alot on my hands also. as far as not hearting the snake. DON'T PULL IT OFF. that's a big no no it hearts you and the snake . if you get bit put a small stick in the back of the snakes mouth and push his head farther onto your hand. " so that the teeth are no longer in your hand" and then gently take the snake off. "and pull out the stick"

Answer 6

Rubbing alcohol???
Are you trying to catch them, or kill them? UNBELIEVABLE!
I will tell you in four simple steps how to catch NON-VENOMOUS snakes with your bare hands. Ready?
Step 1. Man-up! That means, don't be timid about it.
Step 2. Grab snake. Anywhere. Quickly, before he escapes.
Step 3. Grip it immediately behind the head. Quickly, before it can bite. Don't strangle it, though.
Step 4. If it bites, so what? Live with it. Man-up, because getting bit by a NON-VENOMOUS snake is really no big deal.

Answer 7

Like someone said MAN UP!!! I never wear gloves and I get bitten all the time. They just scratch you pretty much (The bite). Over time you'll learn ways to handle certain species to avoid getten bitten. First off dont grab them to hard, let them move through your hands. Second watch the head and use you other hand to distract it if it looks like its going to bite. Third if it does bite just let it bite and suck it up, dont try to pull it off, it will let go on its own. Trial and error is your best bet. next time one bites you just let it do its thing and watch it chew on you to get over this fear (a small or medium snake)

Edit: screw the rubbing alcohol who wants to carry that in the field? plus it cant be good for the snake.

Answer 8

i catch snakes with my hands and you should never try to pull away or pry it out what sometimes works is grab the side of there mouth where the jaw ends and squeeze but not hard gently and if that fails you lay him or her down gently and it should release in matter of minutes

Answer 9

What I do is distract it with one hand by waving it around beside the snake and catching it's interest,and when it's focusing on one hand,grab it with light pressure(Enough to constrict movement,but just enough.)and you should have it.However,Garter snakes(And many others)have curved teeth.If it does bite you,get a small piece of metal,a pen,screwdriver etc. and carefully work the teeth out of your skin.It takes longer,but it benefits both of you.Hope it helps.

Answer 10

try carrying a plastic bottle of rubbing alcohol, then pour it on their mouths when bit, they will let go, or simply be very still and lay the snake on the ground, i find this works well.