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Harpers ferry md copperhead.

S

Sm1nts2escape

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Thought you guys might like to see this copperhead I pulled it off the road one night and then realeased it two days later in the same area but off the road:)I tried to feed him/her a thawed hopper but it wouldn't take it.The snake was really calm for a wild snake.I have always caught wild snakes and they are usually very aggresive but this one was pretty docile.I have never caught a copperhead before.The only thing is when it was in the cage it was ready to strike but once it was out if was very calm and just wanted to get away/slither around.I am guessing it is about a year old?It was about 1'6" long.Very cool snake to have as a pet.I have always wanted to keep venomous and really love cobras but they are just so damn fast and defensive.Any other venomous that is half ass safe to free handle?Thanks




 
Yeah, coppers are a very mellow hot snake to deal with as long as they're not cornered. They usually just try to slowly slither away when confronted in the wild. A few years back while out herping I found a pair just sitting quietly underneath a log in the spring. I hooked both of them very calmly and they didn't even try to escape. By far one of my favorite snakes. :thumbsup:
 
I think next year I will get one and keep it.Handling it was like handling my old boa just alot smaller and weaker.
 
Free handling venomous snakes is dangerous and you will get "tagged" eventually. Even a envenomation from a copperhead can be life threatening. Think before you act!
 
Yes I know it is very dangerous and shoud be avoided at all cost.But it was cool that a wild venomous snake was so relaxed.
 
Look I am not trying to be a jerk here. But I have several cobras that I would consider tame. But do I hold them NO. Period there is no reason for this risk. You have to understand that one bite could change the "rules" of legally keeping venomous snakes. I am not sure what the legalities are in your state. But I do know that states that were perfectly legal to keep venomous in are now totally illegal. Some of which passed these regulations after someone was bitten. Even if the copperhead is tame it is still VENOMOUS! I realize you see people do it especially online, that certainly does not mean it should be done by all. If you want to handle "wild snakes" try a racer or a ratsnake you will find some that are just so laid back and calm especially this time of year.
Just trying to protect my hobby
Joe
 
Understand completely.I would never risk holding a cobra though.Way to strong of a venom.I am not trying to be cool.I love animals.
 
I understand what you are saying. My point is venom is venom it does not matter how toxic it is in general. You could have a allergy or a bad reaction regardless.
 
Also not sure if you noticed but I said half ass safe.I have seen alot of dumbasses on youtube handling aggressive snakes.I frown on them.I don't care if you are good with a hook or not.If the snake is fast and agressive then I believe it should only be in its cage and if you need to move it a trap box or if you need to examine it have a tube and some help.That copper was beautiful.Only reason I didn't keep it is cause I'm renting one of my dad's houses and he is terrified of snakes.Next year.And maybe down the road a cobra.
 
I agree. There are way too many idiots out there chasing after hots for the "thrill". So far, I have yet to meet someone here locally that knows what the hell they're doing with catching and keeping hots.
 
That's exactly it "the thrill",Or "look at me!"Those are mainly the ones that get it and cause trouble.
 
A couple of years ago I sold a couple of large pythons to a guy who was explaining to me how he likes to "tame" hots and allows them to slither up his arm. I ask myself...Why? All that snake has to do is get spooked once and you're potentially dead.
 
Crawling up his arm right toward his jugular.Lol.Some people Idk.Thats just like a guy who use to rent from my parents when I was a kid.Caught a wild blacksnake and kept letting the thing bite him repeatedly like it was funny.Was in the hospital for a week and almost died.Why bacteria in his blood from the snakes mouth.
 
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