Can I “free-handle” venomoid snakes safely?
Keepers of venomoid snakes should always act in a responsible and respectful manner when they handle these snakes. “Free-handling” is a term that generally relates to unrestrained handling practices where the snake is not restricted in the ability to deliver a strike to the handlers limbs, body or head. Many snakes, including those which have intact venom glands will become sufficiently accustomed to handling to tolerate it without attempting to bite the handler, and many keepers have handled venomous snakes for many years in such a manner without having been bitten. One of the attractions in keeping venomoid snakes is clearly the ability to handle a species such as Naja kaouthia, Dendroaspis polylepis or Bitis nasicornis in the same manner than you might handle a pet Python regius.
