How to Hold a Venomous Snake (And Not Get Bitten!)

Most people will never need to hold a venomous snake, and honestly, that is a good thing. But there are situations where understanding how professionals handle venomous snakes can be genuinely useful. Maybe you encountered one in your yard, or maybe you are just curious about the techniques that herpetologists and wildlife experts use.

The most important thing to say upfront is this: if you are not a trained professional, you should never attempt to handle a venomous snake. The safest approach is always to keep your distance and call a professional wildlife removal service. That said, knowing how experts do it can help you understand snake behavior and stay safe if you ever encounter a venomous snake in the wild.

How Professionals Handle Venomous Snakes

Professional herpetologists and snake handlers use specialized tools and techniques that have been developed over decades. The most common tool is a snake hook, which is a long metal rod with a curved or flattened end that allows the handler to lift and guide a snake from a safe distance.

When using a snake hook, the handler gently slides the hook under the snake’s body at about the midpoint. The snake is then lifted and supported so that it feels balanced. A snake that feels secure on the hook is less likely to become agitated or strike. Professionals never grab venomous snakes by the tail alone, because an unsupported snake will thrash and can easily swing up and bite.

Another tool commonly used is snake tongs, which are long handled grabbing tools that allow you to pick up a snake from several feet away. Tongs are useful for moving a snake into a container, but they need to be used carefully to avoid injuring the snake. Too much pressure can damage the snake’s spine.

The Pinning Technique

For situations where a professional needs to physically restrain a venomous snake, such as for medical treatment or venom extraction, they use what is called the pinning technique. This involves using a snake hook or a padded stick to gently press the snake’s head against the ground, just behind the jaw.

Once the head is secured, the handler carefully grips the snake directly behind the head with their thumb and forefinger, ensuring the snake cannot turn and bite. The other hand supports the body so the snake does not thrash and potentially injure itself.

This technique requires extensive training and practice. Even experienced handlers have been bitten when using this method, which is why it is never something an untrained person should attempt.

What to Do If You Find a Venomous Snake Near Your Home

Finding a venomous snake in your yard or near your house can be alarming, but the best course of action is straightforward. Keep a safe distance of at least six feet, keep children and pets away, and call a local wildlife removal service or animal control.

Do not try to kill the snake, as this is actually when most snakebites happen. According to research, a significant number of venomous snakebites in the United States occur when people try to kill or handle snakes they encounter. Simply backing away and letting the snake move on is almost always the safest option.

If the snake is inside your home, try to isolate it in one room by closing doors and placing a towel along the bottom of the door gap. Then call a professional to come remove it safely.

Snake Bite Statistics and Safety

Understanding some basic statistics about snakebites can help put things in perspective. In the United States, there are an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 venomous snakebites reported each year. However, deaths from snakebites are extremely rare, averaging about five per year.

The vast majority of venomous snakebites happen to people who were trying to handle, catch, or kill the snake. Many of those bites also involve alcohol. The takeaway here is clear: leaving venomous snakes alone dramatically reduces your risk of being bitten.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not try to suck out the venom, apply a tourniquet, or ice the wound. These old remedies do not work and can actually make things worse. The best thing you can do is stay calm, remove any jewelry near the bite site in case of swelling, and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.

Why You Should Never Handle a Venomous Snake Without Training

Even with the right tools and techniques, handling venomous snakes is inherently risky. Professional snake handlers spend years learning snake behavior, body language, and proper restraint methods before they ever work with hot (venomous) species.

Venomous snakes can strike incredibly fast, covering a distance of about half their body length in a fraction of a second. They can also bite from positions that seem impossible, which is why even experts get bitten from time to time. Without professional training and proper equipment, the risk of a serious or life threatening bite is simply too high.

If you are interested in snakes and want to learn more about handling them, start with non venomous species like corn snakes or ball pythons. These gentle species will teach you a lot about snake behavior without putting you at risk.