Missing !

[Ruth Macpherson]

I'd like some advice please. I've no problem with snakes (non-venomous ones anyway). My neighbour's red-tailed boa has gone missing and it's possible that he may turn up somewhere in our building. How should I pick him up if I find him?

Thanks,
Ruth :

2yellow:

[iLLwiLL]

if its not your snake and you dont really know that snake inparticular, you would be taking a pretty big chance. if the boa is under a year old (around 3-4') its not such a big deal, but if she has something around 6' or more i wouldn't go near it if i were you. if you do see it, call your neighbor and let him/her deal with it.

~Will.

[Ruth Macpherson]

Thanks very much for the advice. Neighbour says Henry is 18 months and that he's about 3 1/2 ft. He's very tame and doesn't bite, but yeah, if I find him I guess I'll just keep him captive til she's home.

[rrrrr]

Probably best to let the neighbor do it. That said, if it's a choice between picking it up, and watching it slither into the air ducts, I'd pick it up. Best way to pick up a snake (IMHO) is:

Grab the back 1/3rd of the snake with one hand. Slide the other hand under the belly of the snake starting where you grabbed it. Lift.

Things to watch out for:
-Dont hesitate. Makes the snake nervous.
-Try to reach low and from the back. Overhead approach and front approach is threatening.
- Dont worry too much about getting bit. It's not that bad, BUT keep your face out of range at all times.
- Dont try to pin him or grab him behind the neck like you see on the crocodile hunter. This is stressfull for you and the snake, plus it guarantees the snake will act defensively. It's like pulling a knife on a mugger. It automatically escalates the situation.

[End Times]

If you manage to find it, try getting it into a pillow case, and then tying the top shut in a knot. It will be perfectly comfortable in there, won't be stressed, and you can carry it about without worrying. This way, it will be confined until you're able to get a hold of your neighbour.

[cristine]

look in the atic if the owner has one, pilow case sounds right, any snake that has teeth can bite,please be careful. I pick up my snakes towards their tails

[Cady]

The number one rule is to stay calm, when you are nervous your body temp rises and some snakes will strike based on temprature. Another thing, move slowly. Fast movements will scare the snake. Good Luck to you and your neighbor.