Raptor the Snake Gripper
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I never said this was the last word on snakes.
I visited Ian Norton and his team the other day to photograph the latest in snake handling equipment. Designed by Ian and refined to protect snakes while handling them (if you like them or not) Ian has received purchase enquiries from as far away as Africa for these innovative designs.
Ian and his team are the most experienced and competent snake handlers in Tasmania and I had fun or should I say misgivings to shoot the photos.
But then I had already meet Bobby. What Bobby lacks in size he makes up in attitude. Ian brought several snakes for the ‘live’ shoots, but all they wanted to do is run off at great knots.
Bobby on the other hand knows what is expected of him, he is a ‘stunt snake’, and he immediately goes into ‘strike position’.
Lying in the grass only a meter away to get the close-up shot is a bit nerve racking and I felt much better putting the big zoom lens on and increasing my chances/distance somewhat. As you can see, Bobby doesn’t muck around to show you that he means business. Picture #1 It proves once again the best way to handle a snake is to retreat in the opposite direction. If you use proper snake handling tools even an irate snake can be handled safely picture #2, let me tell you it is MUCH safer for both of you, than using a machete.
Both Ian and Jane show how the snake is ‘put away’ without going to the big swamp in the sky. Picture #3
If it is not in the bag, it is not in the bag. Take nothing for granted! Picture #4
The ‘empire’ strikes back. Don’t do this at home, leave it to the professionals. Ian wearing his steel capped boots demonstrates how quickly an annoyed snake can turn on you. Picture #5. These pictures were taken at 1/60th of a second, and as you can see in the second shot in this sequence the snake struck with lightning speed. The close-up of the last (fourth) shot of picture #5 shows you how wide that mouth opens at the moment of contact. Picture #6
Ophidiophobia or fear of snakes can have a dramatic effect on the quality of life for many people in our community. Making outdoor life a misery for fear of an encounter with a snake.
A program aimed specifically at confronting this fear, has been developed to empower those with this real phobia to overcome their fear. Through knowledge and increased exposure to the root cause, these fears can be overcome. People who for years have avoided outdoor activities, be it hiking, camping or fishing, have been liberated after half a day of one on one counselling. Desensitising and mastery over snakes topple the barrier one by one.
Our snake management program for ophidiophobics may be your ticket to freedom from fear. Allow us the opportunity to help you to overcome ophidiophobia and add value to your outdoor experience. Please call for an appointment.
Ian is the designer of his snake handling equipment, which is locally manufactured to his specification for home use and export.
I have invited Ian to show his tools of trade on my website so that all people have an opportunity to view them and contact Ian if they feel the need to purchase them. Click on the link below to get straight to Ian’s e-mail address.
Here then is Ian’s spiel:
Raptor Mk1. Snake Gripper Picture #7
Work Place standards dictate that people required to manage and handle venomous snakes as part of their job description, should equip themselves with instruments that lessen the risk of accidental bites.
Equipment manufactured overseas has been found to be imperfect for Australian standards as it can injure snakes when handled. With reptile welfare in mind a snake friendly tong has been developed that offers maximum security to the operator, while protecting snakes from injury. The Raptor Mk1 Gripper has a rubber support on the lower jaw, while the restraining action hinges down to allow a leather thong to fit the profile of the snakes, securing it firmly while preventing escape regardless of where the snake is gripped. Picture #8
The mechanics of the Gripper permit trigger adjustments to allow operators preference.
Leki Walking Stick Snake Pinner Attachments. Picture #9 & #9a
Leki walking stick Snake Pinners attachments are the ultimate pinning device for elapid snakes. The pinner tips are designed to replace the walking tip on the collapsible Leki walking stick.
The spring steel Y section picture #10 is fitted with a taught restraining fabric that is durable and reliable and never requires re-tensioning. Other attachments are easily exchanged to adapt the instrument for multiple applications.
Hoop Bags and Hoop. Picture #11 & #12
This is a simple, durable and reliable hoop and bag arrangement. The deep calico bag fits to a stainless steel hoop with a handle that places you at a safe distance when bagging venomous snakes. The bag can easily removed if the need arises and a new bag can be fitted quickly and easily. The bags are fitted with straps that allow handling without danger of touching the bag with an unprotected hand.
Sexing Probes and Micro Chip Implanters. Picture #13
We also have available stainless steel sexing probes in a variety of sizes, along with stainless steel microchip implanters. These precision instruments are made of hygienic surgical grade stainless steel to limit cross infection in field conditions.
Practical Application of Snake Management and Safe Handling. Picture #14
This is perhaps the most extensive training course on offer covering all aspects of venomous snake management and handling. The daylong course is run at the Department of Herpetology at Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, Launceston Tasmania.
Student will learn all aspects of snake physiology, including habitat and behaviour. With a strong emphasis on safety and first aid. The course ends with students undertaking practical handling training, using specially designed equipment.
Having successfully demonstrated safe and effective handling practices, each student is issued with a certificate of competency. For further detail contact Ian or Jane at the Queen Victoria museum and Art Gallery on 6323 3777 or sent an e-mail by clicking here.
All students receive a training manual and are invited to attend a free field trip at a time to be appointed, to experience first hand the skills leaned in the course.
Statement of Faith.
All our equipment is designed for the professional who requires reliability and dependable field kit. Safety has been paramount to ensure that both amateur and professional snake handles have the cards stacked in their favour when managing snake related tasks.
For further information regarding purchasing or marketing of any of the tools on this web site, please contact Ian or Jane on 03 6323 3765 or Ian.Norton@qvmag.tas.gov.au or Jane.Guy@qvmg.tas.gov.au or
Reptile Rescue Inc. on: 0407 565 181
If you would like to contact me for comments or contributions click here: thetroutwhisperer@bigpond.com