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Identification of snake species #6326670 06/07/16 08:46 PM
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I want to share my information and make my presence known. I am a trained snake handler, specializing in native venomous species, and a consultant for hospital systems on identification of species and envenomations. I have also participated with TPWD in data and species surveys around the state for a number of years now. I also consult for energy companies and do safety trainings to keep people safe in the field. If they pay me for my info and to keep people safe, you may want to listen. There are people that know more than myself in the state, but I know most of them and they are who I reference in case I'm ever stumped, which is rare. My connections in the herpetology all world are quite expansive, so we should be able to provide the most accurate information available at the time. My job is identification and safe removal of snake species. You're grandfather and your buddies may THINK they know what they're talking about from their time in the field, but I KNOW. I'm here to help in any way I can. I've never been bitten after working with venomous daily for 9 years, I don't plan on it happening ever. I've taken precautions in my routines and in the field to keep me from harms way. I want to help you do the same.

After my drama of my position and credentials, I'd like to mention I will do my best to help with photos as often and as quickly as possible. I'm taking a chance by showing my info here, so I hope it is not abused while trying to do the right thing for others. A photo should ALWAYS be taken of a snake species before ANYTHING else. A simple photo before messing with a snake speeds treatment times in the event of an envenomation, and gives us the easiest way to identify.

What we know after years of hospital work, is that accidental bites are extremely rare. 99% of bites come from harassment of a species. LEAVE THEM ALONE. A recent envenomations cost the patient $153,000, so unless you have a spare house laying around, avoiding an interaction is crucial. Gunshots to feet and ricochets are EXTREMELY common. The fastest snake travels at about 3 mph, an average human can run close to 6mph. I've caught thousands of snakes at this point and I've never been "chased" by one. You CAN get away.
I'm not here to fight or argue or debate your feelings towards snakes. I'm here to help and give my advice. venomous species are the largest of concern and usually get the "good snake, dead snake" approach, but species such as copperheads are being used in the fight against breast cancer, so I'd much rather get those species to places of use than to lose another pair of breasts from the world. Rattlesnake venom (from live animals) is used to produce the first medication you receive during a heart attack.

I can be reached through my email at snakesofkaty@yaho*.***, or pictures of species can be sent directly to my phone. I will give my number to anyone who messages and would like it for later use. I apologize for the length of this post, but wanted to reach out in the only way I have figured out so far on this site

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6326675 06/07/16 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted By: TrainedSnakeSpecialist
...but species such as copperheads are being used in the fight against breast cancer, so I'd much rather get those species to places of use than to lose another pair of breasts from the world....


Y'all hear that?? Save the tatas! Quit killin' them copperheads, fellas!!


Welcome to THF, TSS.

Last edited by HuntnFly67; 06/07/16 08:50 PM.
Re: Identification of snake species [Re: HuntnFly67] #6326694 06/07/16 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted By: HuntnFly67
Originally Posted By: TrainedSnakeSpecialist
...but species such as copperheads are being used in the fight against breast cancer, so I'd much rather get those species to places of use than to lose another pair of breasts from the world....


Y'all hear that?? Save the tatas! Quit killin' them copperheads, fellas!!


Welcome to THF, TSS.

rofl


welcome


Originally Posted by Sneaky
I believe in science and I’m an insufferable [censored]
Originally Posted by beaversnipe
Actually, BBC is pretty damn good

"You Cannot Simultaneously Be Politically Correct And Intellectually Honest!"
Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6326710 06/07/16 09:12 PM
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Im starting to get out and look now. I'll have some Agkistrodons for you if you want them.


Originally Posted by KRoyal
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6326733 06/07/16 09:25 PM
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We bring in so many over the course of a year, we shouldn't need anyone to go out and actively collect them, unless that's your thing. If so, best of luck and keep the fleshy parts out of the bitey end. I've enjoyed being in the field for years with the excuse of snake observing. (I'm making the assumption you're meaning agkistrondon contortrix species, not akistrodon piscovorus)
We've worked a project for a number of years now where we can catch over 30 a night on an acre and a half, so we are rarely in short supply, but I do try to find a use for those that HAVE to be removed.

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6326780 06/07/16 10:09 PM
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Either one get a load of snake shot on sight. I've had three heart attacks and I got aspirin and Plavix when I got to the hospital. Not snake venom.

I've been well documented that I don't kill non venomous snakes. The "the only good snake is a dead snake" is fearful and foolish. But venomous ones will get the axe quick with me. The loss of a limb or a dog isn't worth an bs someone puts on the internet. I've got friends with permanent damage from snake bite and I don't intend to let that happen.


I work hard, drink a little and hunt when I can.
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Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6326781 06/07/16 10:10 PM
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Interesting.

Welcome aboard. welcome

I think?


"The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money."
-Alexis de Tocqueville
Re: Identification of snake species [Re: passthru] #6326811 06/07/16 10:31 PM
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I never said you have to agree or listen to my advice. i get paid more when people are bit, so you are welcome to do anything you want. I'd prefer to be out of a job, but if you'd like to take risks that professionals don't, be my guest.

A simple emergency treatment for dogs is to keep a sealed bottle of Benadryl in your gear. 2 tablespoons Administered (for an average dog size) after a bite, it can usually cut the fatality rate significantly. I say "sealed" so it doesn't get used for different colds and fluesnd then you're out when you need it. It's what I carry to counteract the allergic reaction that usually kills. An epi-pen is great.

Snakebites can and will kill, but risks can be lowered by avoiding actions proven to put you at a greater risk of harm.
Please stay safe. I've seen the worst of envenomations and wouldn't wish them on anyone. Only here to help.

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6326824 06/07/16 10:36 PM
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Thanks for the INFO sir.


"The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money."
-Alexis de Tocqueville
Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6326837 06/07/16 10:42 PM
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How about this one? Sorry for the crappy pic but it looked to be a good 4'.

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: mattyg06] #6326851 06/07/16 10:52 PM
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The picture is a bit difficult, but it looks like a nonvenomous rat snake, a surprising species to see swimming along, but not unheard of. It's pattern does have that diamond look, so if I saw the head closer, I'd be able to verify. Where was it seen?

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6327623 06/08/16 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted By: TrainedSnakeSpecialist
I'd prefer to be out of a job, but if you'd like to take risks that professionals don't, be my guest.Snakebites can and will kill, but risks can be lowered by avoiding actions proven to put you at a greater risk of harm.
Please stay safe. I've seen the worst of envenomations and wouldn't wish them on anyone. Only here to help.


TSS, this is why I tell my group to leave them alone even the venomous ones. I have a feeling that by trying to kill them that you are probably putting yourself/dog at a higher risk of getting bitten than by trying to stay away from them.

But this snake was in a flooded marsh area in about 24" of water... not out in the large lake.

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: mattyg06] #6327958 06/08/16 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted By: mattyg06
How about this one? Sorry for the crappy pic but it looked to be a good 4'.



Nerodia rhombifer I think

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: Txhuntr2] #6327983 06/08/16 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted By: Txhuntr2
Originally Posted By: mattyg06
How about this one? Sorry for the crappy pic but it looked to be a good 4'.



Nerodia rhombifer I think



By the nature of the photo and a diamond backed pattern, that was my first thought. But the body is being held in more of a floating posture, and commonly, the water snakes will keep their bodies submerged and just the heads exposed. Not 100% of the time, but just as a basis. It also shows tan side markings, which are unusual on a rhombifer. Even though rhombifer are "diamond backed", this doesn't look like most Ive seen. It's color and pattern look like the side profile of a Texas rat, but it's where a water snake should be. I'm not 100%, I wish I were but I can only go by what I can see, and that's not a lot. Not disagreeing, just stating what I'm seeing in the shot. Plus, a 4' water snake is on the larger side of the water snakes, a 4' Texas rat is common and just beginning to get big. My reaching last attempt to I.D. Are the barely visible scales, but it looks smooth, and any water snake has noticeably keeled scales, even from that distance. I don't know, and I'm not ashamed to admit it ; )

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6328076 06/08/16 08:53 PM
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Nerodia rhombifer peep


If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..

"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln

Dennis

Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6328129 06/08/16 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted By: TrainedSnakeSpecialist
We bring in so many over the course of a year, we shouldn't need anyone to go out and actively collect them, unless that's your thing. If so, best of luck and keep the fleshy parts out of the bitey end. I've enjoyed being in the field for years with the excuse of snake observing. (I'm making the assumption you're meaning agkistrondon contortrix species, not akistrodon piscovorus)
We've worked a project for a number of years now where we can catch over 30 a night on an acre and a half, so we are rarely in short supply, but I do try to find a use for those that HAVE to be removed.


Got plenty of them at the end our pasture in a spring water branch that runs through the property. You literally can find a few every single time you go down there.



Mostly 'Southerns'...but some 'Broadband' on occasion.


Spartans ask not...how many, but where!
Re: Identification of snake species [Re: TrainedSnakeSpecialist] #6328150 06/08/16 09:54 PM
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Have lot's of diamond back Florida water snakes at the lake and everybody wants to shoot"em. Copperheads yes since I know of four people and three dogs that were bitten in the last two years since they don't move.

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