by Rindy Tietjen

Created on: July 25, 2009   Last Updated: July 26, 2009

Snake owners should remember this golden rule. All snakes have teeth; all snakes bite.

Part of the appeal of owning an exotic pet is the perceived "danger" involved in its care and feeding. When it comes to snakes, this danger can be very real. If you keep venomous snakes in your collection, a bite can be fatal.

Most bites from pet snakes are caused by infrequent and/or improper handling. A non-venomous pet snake needs to be handled on a regular basis so that it remains docile. A venomous snake should be handled as little as possible, using the correct equipment.

Never handle a pet snake immediately after feeding. Even washing your hands does not completely remove the smell of rodent. The snake may mistake your hand for another tasty treat.

When picking up your pet snake, move smoothly and with confidence. Do not hesitate, or use jerky movements. Never stop mid movement and pull your hand back out of the cage. To the snake, this makes your hand look like a tasty rat. Grasp the snake close behind the head if possible.

Even with these precautions, a bite may still occur. The species of snake determines the proper treatment of a bite.

The most common type of pet snake is a constrictor. Pythons, boas, and rat snakes are all constrictors. If you are bitten by a constrictor, the snake will probably clamp down and hold on. Do not attempt to pull the snake off of you. This will be tempting, but disastrous. Most constrictors have very sharp curved teeth. Pulling the snake will tear off hunks of skin and leave nasty scars.

Allow the snake to calm down naturally if at all possible. A snake has a quick "bite" mechanism, and a slow "release" mechanism in its brain. When it no longer feels threatened and realizes you are too big to swallow, it will let go. This could take several hours.

If the snake wraps around your neck, a different approach is necessary. Even small snakes can suffocate an adult. You need to remove the snake as quickly as possible. Grasp the snake gently by the tail and unwind it backwards from around your neck. Now, let the snake calm down as described above.

Most snakebites are harmless, but any bite that breaks the skin carries with it a risk of infection. Be sure to wash the wound and use an antibacterial salve. Keep an eye on the wound and see your family doctor if an infection develops.

Keeping venomous snakes as pets is irresponsible and illegal in most parts of the U.S. and many other countries. Still, many people keep them, so it is good to know how to handle a bite from a venomous snake. Most venomous snakes will bite once or twice. The snake then retreats to a corner to let its prey die.

You will need to take the snake with you to the hospital so that it can be properly identified. The wrong anti-venom won't help you. Have someone corner and kill it while you administer first aid. Do not risk a second victim.

Do not cut the bite or attempt to suck the poison out of the wound. If you cut yourself, you risk nicking an artery. Also, most people have microscopic cuts or abrasions in their mouth. Sucking out the poison only distributes it faster throughout your body. Try to relax and don't move around more than necessary. Raise the affected body part above the heart if possible.

Get to the hospital as soon as you can.

If a non-venomous pet snake is handled regularly, bites are uncommon. Remember to always treat your pet snake with care and respect. Snakes are fascinating and beautiful creatures. With the proper precautions, snake owners can enjoy many bite-free years with their pets.

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