PRHT Redux

Following up on our last post, TSG thought it would be a good idea to provide some helpful tips on how to handle reptiles in case our readers decide to "try it at home".

As you can see, gentleness is the key...

...unless, of course, there is imminent danger of getting bit. 

In that case, it's best to grasp the animal firmly behind the head.

You can ignore this last example, since it shows the author cradling an amphibian.

Proper reptile handling techniques

When you encounter a Crotalus atrox such as the one pictured here*, the best way to handle it is by the tail.

*This handsome (approx. 5' long) specimen was encountered on Dry Creek Road about 10 miles north of Lake Kaweah. (S)he was soaking up some heat from the tarmac, and proved quite oblivious to our photographic endeavours. Actually, we were a little worried about his/her vulnerable location, taking up most of a lane just past the apex of a curve. A couple of pebbles tossed at the viper proved useless in moving it along. Just then, a bicyclist came upon the scene and stopped to take a picture with his cellphone. So, TSG decided not to harass it any further, hoping that the rider might decide to shoo the beast off of the road.