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Barry,
I wasn't referring to you in my initial post. While I DO NOT agree with free handling, I'm not the one who has to deal with the consequences if it goes horribly wrong.
What I do have an issue with is the posting of these photos on the Internet where the young, naive, or uninformed, see it and think it is a wide spread or accepted handling technique within the community. Factor in the often ridiculous advice given by those who choose to be so cavalier in their handling techniques and I would hope you can see where it can be damaging to the community as a whole.
As an example, please refer to the links I posted in my original post. I think you may be surpised to see the type of information that the gentleman who is supporting you in this thread spreads.
I'll quote a few nuggets of this skewed wisdom, however I highly encourage you to search for yourself.
These two are from a thread asking about a good starter snake. Please note the original poster is 16 years old.
Demonseed38
"Dude. All snakes are awesome. It depends on what's right for you. I'm a drymarchon guy with non venomous and hots, pygmy rattlesnakes are my favorites. They can be tamed and held but I do suggest taking diluted venom injections to build up your immunity. But use thick welding gloves to get them used to handling and they are cool. As for drymarchon. They are high strung snakes but with some frequency in handling and taming they are super smart and make some super cool pets. Just my opinion to whether you wanna test your herp skills."
Same thread
Demonseed38
"I take diluted venom injections the same as tom Crutchfield and many others. I also use venom defender gloves as well. I've worked with and handled hots as well as some very big crocadilians and other dangerous animals. The people that get hurt by hots are the morons that think they have a tame viper or elaphid. I have been bitten 11 times as any body with my experience knows it's gonna happen. But thanks to those injections I take it never got serious enough for me to be hospitalized. You people can think what you want. It's you that are unprepared that get injured by these animals and give us all a bad name. So when you do get bit and are laying in ICU. Thank about your little article's . I'll be sitting at home healthy and enjoying my snake collection. And if your scared of these animals. Don't keep them."
A different thread where he mentions being in the hospital for two weeks despite the above post saying "it never got serious enough to be hospitalized"
Demonseed38
"Yup. We all can be dare devils but yeah . You really have to respect them. I've been bitten and it hurts like hell plus 2 weeks in the hospital. Thank god for insurance cause that bill would have been about 30 grand. But I vote on pygmy rattlesnakes for a first time hot. They have small fangs and pretty easy to work with. Use tongs , hooks and gloves. The venom defender gloves are expensive but you can't put a price on your life."
Hopefully this will help you understand a bit more in regards as to why many keepers of venomous animals tend to frown upon the practice of posting free handling photos since it often comes from those who also spread potentially dangerous information.
I wish you the best with your animals!
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