Tips for the Responsible Sale and Ownership of Giant Snakes

• Giant snakes should not be sold to minors or owned by minors.
• Giant snakes should not be sold without first informing the buyer of their eventual requirements and the problems and risks involved.
• Sellers should require the purchase or the proof of purchase of a secure, lockable escape-proof cage from buyers (this condition is a requirement for the ownership of giant snakes in the San Diego County, California).
• Buyers must learn responsible feeding and handling procedures and schedules (I offer some in my book, Care and Maintenance of Burmese Pythons).
• Realize that adolescent giant snakes usually in the 8- to 11-foot range in the case of Burmese pythons, are probably the most dangerous. A contributing factor may be that owners fail to feed these growing “adolescent” snakes adequate amounts of food. Because of their size, owners also may handle them less regularly, which can condition a snake to expect food the second the cage is opened.
• Never display giant snakes in public outside of a proper forum for such displays, such as educational presentations and reptile shows.
• Put in place a procedure for dealing with a life-threatening constriction accident. Pouring alcohol in the mouth of the snake, using a cattle prod type of device (doing so will also shock the victim) and using large cutters to decapitate a snake are all possible considerations. In a life-threatening situation, don’t worry about the welfare of the snake. Above all, free the victim from its grasp as soon as possible.

By Philippe de Vosjoli © 2003Reptiles USA

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