Handling Vens

[peterjohnson64]

11pm on a Saturday Night is probably not the best time to post a thread on handling Venemous Snakes.

But... even now the adreniline is still pumping through my veins having today, under the expert tuition of Peterrescue, completed Sydney Wildlife's venemous snake course.

Today we had to bag red bellies, deather adders, tigers, browns and a rough scaled snake (the cheap one apparently).

The red bellies are fairly quiet but we had this big one that kept everyone on their toes. But when the browns came out the fun really started.

All these snakes were wild caught but seemed quite used to human intervention. I am not looking forward to my first real life brown that certainly won't just turn up in the middle of a paddock and lie nice & still for me.

And no pictures because you will call me a child killer.

Oh, and anyone up for "late night posts" tonight?

[ssssnakeman]

some pics would be good pete
.. ..nothing like a warm brown to keep you on your toes,
but the rbbs will give you a run 4 sure
baz

[peterescue]

dont forget Steve and Luke were there as well, mostly I just chinwagged with you.

[peterjohnson64]

Yes Pete, but they aren't members!!! Oh, and can I have Bill's details please

Oh, and pics aren't allowed under Syd Wildlife rules. Imagine their negative publicity!!!

[SLACkra]

i so have to do a venomous snake handling course. it would be an interesting thing to know how to do. how much do courses generally run?

andrew

[peterjohnson64]

Andrew, this is not really a handling course but more a "catch & release" course. it is really cheap, only $55 and you get a bag and hook. But it is subsidised and you need to become a wildlife rescuer. I am sure they would have them in Melbourne somewhere.

[SLACkra]

mmm well i can't drive and i don't have a car, thats why i haven't become one yet. i did go to a general wildlife rescue course at the melb zoo, and found it very informative. a catch and release course woudl be all i would need, don't plan on owning a ven any time soon/ever.

cheers

Andrew

[peterjohnson64]

And you thought fake ID's were just for alcohol didn't you?

[Livewire]

Well done, Peter J. It must have been an awesome experience?

[salebrosus]

pics or it didnt happen.....im learning!!!!

Simone

[peterescue]

In the past we let people take photos but it interupts the flow, people get in the way and most of all it distracts the participants. They need to be focused on the snake and what they are doing. They are involved in a potentially fatal exercise.
This is purely about securing a nuiscance or injured animal.

[Samma3l]

Pete are there any pre requisites for doing the catch & release course?

[peterjohnson64]

Samma, if you live in sydney and join Sydney Wildlife the only rule is that you are 18 years old

[jordo]

SLACkra - I'm desperate to do a course in Vic too, I only found out that Simon Watharow does them for $290 (I think) to expensive for me, no other people in Melbourne do it that i know of (Melbourne Zoo employs Simon to run courses for them)

[Linus]

So does that mean that you are now considered a fully qualified snake catcher Peter? I'll bet your first call will be a bit daunting? Well done anyway.