Large Constrictor Suggested Best Management Practices (BMPs)
There are perhaps few other animals that inspire as much awe, inspiration, or are as revered throughout the world as “giant snakes”, or which are otherwise commonly known as the “large constrictors”. These large species of boas and pythons, sometimes still collectively known and referred to as “boids”, are, at the same time, also still subjected to a wide range of cultural, historical, and religious perceptions, attitudes, and even mythology and folklore with both positive and negative connotations, all dependent upon the many different cultures, societies, and religions throughout the world. Indeed, the sight of a 15 to 20 foot or more snake which is large, strong, and muscular enough to be able to consume surprisingly large prey, while also possessing the cryptic coloration and/or patterning to oftentimes be able to render itself almost virtually undetected to the eye, are only a few of the fascinating aspects which draw many an interest in these species of large reptiles. Simply put, the sight of, or concept of any snakes in general is often enough to invoke fear or fascination; while the prospect of a “giant snake” undoubtedly adds more so to these emotions and perceptions.
Over the many decades of herpetoculture, which is otherwise known as the keeping and breeding of reptiles and amphibians in captivity, interest in keeping and maintaining these species of “large constrictors” especially has always drawn and attracted, especially, an interest and attention among both public and private enthusiasts and institutions, and the general public as a whole in ways that perhaps simply cannot be replicated by many smaller species of reptiles or amphibians. Of the large constrictor species, several which attain the potential of reaching large enough adult sizes to at least be able to potentially pose risk to human safety, or have been known to have been implicated in unfortunate human fatalities, should be considered for the purposes of this document. These include the Burmese Python (Python bivittatus), Indian Python (Python molorus), Scrub or Amethystine Python (Simalia amethistina), Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus), Northern African Rock Python (Python sebae), and the Southern African Rock Python (Python natalensis). Very large specimens of Boa Constrictors (Boa constrictor) or (Boa imperator), Yellow Anacondas (Eunectes notaeus), or other species of boas and pythons with the potential of reaching or exceeding at least 8 to 10 feet should also perhaps be considered as candidates for safe and responsible handling.
Large constrictor species can certainly make for good pets for the intermediate to advanced, or experienced reptile enthusiast or keeper, but can also be extremely strong and powerful animals that require very large and adequately heated enclosures or amounts of space, can grow quickly to potentially difficult sizes, and are not inexpensive to house, feed, or maintain, sometimes requiring large prey items up the size of humanely pre-killed rabbits, chickens, or even pigs. Unfortunately, any incident involving the negligence of, or the improper housing and handling of one of these large snake species creates further “black eyes” to the reptile and exotic pet communities.
While the number of serious public and occupational risks associated with keeping these snakes are indeed quite small, and are of course tragic, they should always be viewed in the proper perspective when compared to many other accidental or routinely accepted causes of death or injury. However, the consequences to the animal, the individual keeper or owner, and to the reptile community as a whole can be devastating, and often fuel additional, uninformed and unnecessary local and state laws and ordinances prohibiting these animals, which are often thus pushed by animal rights organizations and other “anti-pet” groups posing as “animal welfare” organizations. In order to promote only the safe and responsible acquisition, keeping, and breeding of these large constrictor species, the following is a document of suggested Large Constrictor Best Management Protocols and Practices, similar to those of even venomous reptiles.
-Laws and Legalities. Large constrictor species should only be kept in areas where it is legal to do so, or otherwise under the appropriate licenses or permits, should they be required. Many states, counties, and local municipalities outright prohibit or strictly regulate the ownership of these species, or otherwise have length limits in place. Not keeping these animals in compliance with all local, state, or sometimes even federal laws, regulations, and ordinances places oneself at greater risk in the event of an accident, the animal’s well-being, and gives additional black eyes to the reptile and exotic pet communities.
-Secondary and Tertiary Enclosures. A secondary or even tertiary containment system is a must when maintaining large constrictors. These systems are designated as the areas in which the large reptile's enclosure(s) are located, such as a separate room of the house, facility, or outdoor, or external facility. These areas must absolutely be sealed and escape-proof should escape from the animal’s primary enclosure occur. This includes ensuring all possible cracks, gaps, and other possible openings underneath, and around doorways or entry/exit-ways, hallways, windows, ducts and vents, and other such possible escape routes are sealed, covered, and escape proof! Apartment complexes/buildings, shared, multi-family, or other forms of closely associated community housing and living spaces are simply not ideal secondary containment systems for housing large constrictor species simply due to the space constraints; ideally one should either own their own home, or maintain a separate, secured external facility or building in order to properly keep these animals. Be aware that large snakes can be strong enough to break, or push through windows, doors, or screens if they are not adequately secured and reinforced.
-Primary Enclosures. The enclosure used to house large constrictors should consist of a quality, sturdy material not subject to warping, breakage, or overall decay. Generally, enclosures made of the many commercially available plastic, high density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, or similar materials, with secure, lockable hinged, latched, and/or sliding glass front-opening doors are most suitable for housing large constrictors. Manufacturers such as Vision Enclosures, ARS Enclosures, or other similar manufacturers are examples. The enclosure should also be adequately ventilated to ensure sufficient ventilation, heating, lighting, temperatures, and humidity. Overall, glass aquariums or terrariums with screen tops are not ideal enclosures for large constrictors unless tops can absolutely be lockable and secure; free-fitting tops and/or weights, clips, or other makeshift means of security are not suitable for containing large snakes, as these animals are very strong, and quite capable of escaping or pushing through these setups. Any enclosure used to house large constrictors must also be large and spacious enough to allow, at a minimum, one square foot of usable space per foot of snake.
Under no circumstances should a large constrictor be permitted to free-roam, without strict supervision and control, in rooms, or other areas not designated as the primary or secondary enclosure or are otherwise habituated or occupied by humans. Even the most “trusted”, and well-known or docile animals can still have the potential to behave unpredictably, particularly should they suddenly feel threatened or detects, or mistakes, a person for food.
-Facilities Maintenance and Management. Consider the other facilities maintenance and management aspects to keeping large constrictors. All floors and floor space within and around the room(s), or areas, in which large constrictors are maintained should be kept clean and sanitary, free of any unnecessary obstructions or other debris and clutter which may impede quick and/or evasive movements should they be necessary. Any and all potential or accidental falling, slipping, or tripping hazards should be reduced as much as possible or eliminated. Also consider all other emergency preparedness procedures, and plan ahead accordingly, including in the events of storms, fires, floods, or other natural disasters which may prolong access to proper medical attention should a bite or other accident occur during these conditions. The last thing any large constrictor owner or keeper wants are for there to be further delays in accessing medical treatment or intervention in the event of an accident. Prospective large constrictor keepers and owners should also have emergency backup lighting and generators in the event of a power outage, as well as a longer term plan with qualified emergency contacts in the event of the absolute worst case scenarios requiring these animals to be temporarily re-housed and/or cared for under such circumstances.
-Handling of Large Constrictors. While most large constrictors are not generally aggressive animals, they can still nevertheless be very strong and powerful animals which should be handled with care and respect. Never handle, or attempt to handle a large constrictor over 8 to 10 feet or more by oneself, without at the very least, being within earshot of one or more other capable and qualified individuals present. This includes even seemingly simple and routine tasks such as servicing or cleaning the enclosure. Never allow a large snake to wrap completely around one’s neck or upper torso, as large snakes may begin to constrict in the event they feel their bodies being inadequately supported or secured. This can create a potentially dangerous situation even if it is unintentional on the animal’s part, or if the animal becomes suddenly startled or frightened. Always ensure the snake’s body is adequately supported, and always maintain close control of the head should others be permitted to touch, handle, or interact with a large constrictor. Even though they are nonvenomous, large snakes can have several rows of very large, recurved teeth, and a bite from a very large constrictor or specimen, while by no means a common occurrence to maintain perspective, can create a potentially serious injury requiring hospitalization and/or stitching.
Each species, and even individual specimens or animals, have their own temperaments and personalities, as well as defensive behaviors or other bodily languages and behaviors. It must be up to the responsible keeper or caretaker to understand, be able to properly read and ascertain their animal’s habits, behavior, and body language at any given moment, and observe their animals for signs of stress, feeding behaviors, or agitation. Even animals which one may know well, or may otherwise be relatively calm and docile can react or behave unpredictably in certain situations or circumstances. All of the voluntarily accepted risks associated with keeping, handling, and working with each animal maintained must be understood and accepted to a “T”. Never allow young or small children to handle or come into direct, uncontrolled, and/or unsupervised contact with a large snake, no matter how “tame” or docile the animal may be.
-In the absolute worst case scenario, should a large snake latch onto and begin constricting a keeper due to a feeding related or other error, do not panic! Instead, locate the snake’s head, and either begin unwrapping the animal from the tail-end upward, or place the animal’s head underneath hot running water in an effort to convince it to release. Similarly, mouthwashes, listerines, or other liquids potentially distasteful to the snake can and have been used to force the animals to re-release. Do not attempt to pull or pry the snake’s jaws off, which can lead to potentially injuring the animal and/or leaving teeth embedded. Then seek appropriate medical treatment or first aid, as required.
-Feeding and Accessing the Enclosure. Only authorized and qualified individuals should have access to, or the ability to open and service a large constrictor enclosure, or otherwise be able to access the secondary enclosure (i.e. room or facility in which the large constrictors are being maintained). Appropriate tools should always be suggested in opening a large constrictor enclosure, rather than by bare hands or fingers, unless an otherwise suitable, clear and transparent barrier still exists between the individual and the animal. Always ensure that the animal’s whereabouts in the enclosure are known prior to servicing the enclosure.
-Most species of large constrictors are very eager and opportunistic feeders, which make for especially potentially dangerous conditions when handling or working around these animals. Most large snakes do not have excellent vision, and instead rather rely on scent and/or their thermal heat pits located along their upper labial scales to detect warm-blooded, or endothermic prey. Many accidents and mishaps have occurred when attempting to feed large snakes, and not following adequate feeding protocols are perhaps one of the most common scenarios which can be avoided. Do not handle or approach a large constrictor if one has recently and previously handled or come into contact with any such endothermic animals, whether alive or dead, or if any of these animals are also housed nearby or in the vicinity, such as dogs, cats, birds, rodents, or rabbits and other small mammals. Frozen-thawed, or pre-killed prey items should also not be provided by hand; instead use the appropriate length of tongs, forceps, or hemostats and other equipment to provide food at a safe distance. Always wash one’s hands with soap and water prior to handling or interacting with a large snake in order to remove any potential scent of prey and possibility of a feeding related mishap.
-It is also not necessary to move or feed a large constrictor inside a separate container or enclosure, as is still commonly believed when it comes to keeping snakes in general. While additional husbandry steps and measures, which should be necessary anyway, should always be taken to prevent these snakes from associating the keeper, or other specific actions such as opening of the enclosure with food, attempting to move or handle a large constrictor when it has recently eaten, or may otherwise still be in “feeding mode” can become especially dangerous and unnecessary.
-Transport and Temporary Containment. Temporary containers, deli-cups, trap boxes, and other enclosures for the purposes of temporarily moving or transporting large constrictors to and from enclosures for regular, or routine maintenance, or for shipping should also consist of a sturdy, quality, escape-proof material and be lockable, or otherwise latched. All deli-cups, or other containers or temporary enclosures an animal may be housed within for the purposes of sale, exhibition, or shipping and transport should ideally be sealed and escape proof. All delicups, boxes, and shipping containers should also be labelled with the species (genus and species), sex, quantity/number of animals enclosed, and all applicable contact information for the seller/owner, and receiver and any other relevant information. All animals, containers or enclosures housing a large constrictor must either be at least double, or triple-bagged, or otherwise be contained in a rigid secondary display case or have adequate barriers preventing the unauthorized handling of any containers or enclosures or escape of animals.
-Written and Printed Protocols, BMPs, Emergency Contacts, and Other Information on Hand. Emergency bite protocols, procedures, and best-management practices for large constrictors being maintained should be readily available and accessible. While they do not need to contain much of the information which would be more relevant to a venomous snakebite or mishap, or necessarily be specific to each individual animal, having at least a written plan and protocols in place for the event of a feeding or handling related accident, as well as an escape recovery plan, should be recommended as protocols for large constrictor species.