We teach snake handling to a number of corporate clients in various industries, around Africa. And we have thousands of private individuals attend our public courses in South Africa yearly.

We teach the safest handling methods, with tried and tested protocols, to ensure the safety of the snake remover, as well as the snake. Snake removal can be tricky, and it’s always important to remember the basics for any removal.  We’ve put together a quick list below.

Top 10 Guidelines for Safe Snake Removals

• Make sure dogs are kept away from where the snake is.

• Crowd Control is very important. Keep people away and avoid unnecessary distractions at all costs when working with snakes.

• Make sure you have the correct snake handling equipment. There is no compromise for safety! (No braai tongs, etc).

• Wear proper eye protection, until you know what snake you’re dealing with. Having a torch available is often really helpful for removals in poorly lit places.

• Take your time and stay calm – slow and fluid movements are always better than quick and jerky movements.

• Don’t take your eyes off the snake until it is safely contained.

• Avoid showing off, but try take a bit of time to educate the people you are removing the snake from.

• In all possible instances, avoid necking snakes – it’s rarely necessary.

• Release the snake, in a suitable environment, as soon as possible after capture and not more than 10 km from where it was caught.

• Log your removal, for permit purposes and on the Virtual Museum / ASI Snakes App.