What to do if a Snake Bites you... and Doesn't Let Go.

Please enjoy this video, and watch until the end for an important message about snakes.
Know what to do if a snake bites you, either while attempting to defend itself, or in reaction to a feed response you triggered in the animal, and doesn't let go. Keeping Dwarf and Super Dwarf Reticulated Pythons requires planning. These majestic animals are highly specialized, highly intelligent, incredibly strong. Everyone knows about them. Yet, they are also incredibly misunderstood. They are not the indiscriminate predators many people believe, but rather do their best to learn to thrive in their environments, even in captivity. Those who work with them and are willing to listen and learn from their animals can develop rewarding relationships of mutual tolerance and understanding with their snakes. The pursuit of understanding them better has become a lifetime journey for some people. Even so, as with any worthwhile pursuit, we must plan ahead for times when things do not go as planned. We hope in sharing this experience, you can learn to see beyond the bias against these creatures the world has set against them, and prepare yourself in case of an uncomfortable situation.
Snakes are incredible creatures that ignite the imagination, and spark our curiosity of the natural world. They are capable of living in some of the harshest climates on the planet. They live in oceans, deserts, can climb, borrow, and even fly. Some produce natural compounds in their venom that can be used to save lives and heal diseases. They are often devoted, loving mothers, willing to fight and even die to protect their young. And yet, we fear them. Many people kill them on sight. Others subdue them to prove to themselves they have conquered fear itself. Few, too few... love them, and want to see them flourish. The truth is, they deserve our respect and admiration, even our protection.
FTF or "Free Tip Friday" segments like this are designed to help you gain knowledge and understanding about how to, why, and what it is like keeping reptiles, and often specifically Superdwarf and Dwarf Reticulated Pythons, which we specialize in. This is an interactive segment, and if you would like us to share our views or information about a topic, let us know in the comment section!
Start by connecting with Garrett Hartle on facebook:
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Learn more about Reach Out Reptiles on our website: www.reachoutreptiles.com
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Reach Out Reptiles
4960 William Flynn Hwy
Suite 6, #200
Allison Park PA 15101
Thank you so much for your support of all of us in the industry, but a big and personal THANK YOU from us for watching, "liking" and "subscribing" and commenting below so I can get to connect with you more!

[@dkatz709]

Dude, my mind is blown... This is the first I've ever heard of biting a snake's tail as a bite-release and its ALSO the first time I've ever seen anyone show actual video evidence of their bite-release method in action! Emily from Snake Discovery's video came close, but mostly staged trial and error, not the same as the real-life application shown here (but still a really good video!). I can imagine the soul searching you must have underwent deciding whether or not to post that footage, but as a snake keeper i sincerely appreciate the the knowledge bomb you dropped.

[@grimsonforce7504]

"Chew on the tail like corn on the cob." Words I never knew I needed to hear until now. Learned something new.

[@IamCec]

If you can’t love something that doesn’t love you back, you don’t have a very big heart. This explains why I love snakes without expecting much in return. Love it. Also HOLY SHtT the tail technique blew my mind.

[@IntrepidExotics]

Great work approaching a tough topic for keepers! I can completely relate being apprehensive to put any bite info out there, but it's a fact of life for big snake folks that we all should know how to mitigate and you absolutely nailed the balance here! Thank you as always G.

[@devin11750]

Hey Garrett..long time watcher here. I don't do much media and you're the 1 who sounds great saying anything. It needs to said beyond biting tail for a bite. Sometimes that doesn't work. I've heard and tried alot of things on a variety of animals

[@patrickandkennafenwick3958]

AMAZING! I always knew the most damage done by a large snake bite was in pulling it off. This should be common knowledge.

[@marshallawmorphs3758]

I know u struggled with this video, but I'm honestly glad you decided to put this out there. Such an awesome tip, I've honestly never heard of that technique, also an incredibly responsible way of presenting the info

[@BrianGundy]

Love the technique my friend, I can't wait to try it. (Did I just say that)? It's amazing how our society has been brainwashed to think that reptiles and more specifically snakes are dangerouse and aggressive. I always tell my audiences that if you like puppies you're going to love snakes. If I do my job right, by the end of each reptile program I'll have a line of adults begging me to put the 13 foot albino Burmese python around their necks. Just minutes before the same people were literally shaking in their boots. Great content! Brian / FGS

[@douglasbeauchamp9161]

There are some Psychologists that believe that fear of snakes, spiders and bats for instance is actually genetically imprinted. Myself I am with you people fear what they do not understand and education is the answer. Great vid Garrett

[@meximic5141]

Could be makes sense all those animals could be venomous or carry some pretty bad diseases if there wild and not born and raised captive.

[@verpine3534]

I haven't kept a snake in more than 40 years, so I consider myself a beginner trying to learn what I can before I even make the decision to have a snake or any reptile again. I never knew about this tail-chewing technique, but I'm glad you decided to post this video. I'm always pleased to see non-harmful methods of dealing with animals behaviorally. I also know (after binge-watching a ton of ROR videos) that I will reach out to ROR first if I decide a super dwarf retic is the right choice for me. Peace.

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Thank you!

[@Silverstar2000]

Hi, awesome technique! Thanks for making a video showing it to us. By the way, Christian here…In reference to your commentary near the end talking about fear of snakes, I found another good way to try to dispel the fears of Christians towards snakes is to let them know that there will be snakes in heaven (In Isaiah 11:8 it shows little children playing around venomous snakes). When I was first getting into reptiles, that passage really helped me get over that prejudice, because I thought ‘if God allows snakes in heaven, why should I be afraid of having one as a pet?’ Been looking up KZbin channels like yours and others since then. Again, great video and thanks for the info!

[@AlwaysEvolvingPythons]

Wow this was amazing ! Thanks for the info brotha !

[@patrickandkennafenwick3958]

I love the way the bottom retic perked up, did a couple twitches, and looked interested in this feeding response of the snake that bit you. I've watched it a few times, super interesting love the video.

[@rtreptiles6537]

I think every keeper needs to watch this video!!!

[@hulapopper38oz]

Love how you handled it. It was educational and not done purposely to get a bunch of hits on KZbin like some other channels so they can hit a million subscribers.

[@Lilwest1]

Great video! I have to say I have honestly never heard of that technique and wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t see it!

[@zhdx54]

2:16 ooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jennamercury7625]

Love the logical call out on irrational fears 😝😂😂😂😂😂😂 well done!

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Couldn't help myself. ;)

[@El-ng7mb]

​@@ReachOutReptilesyou did a great job

[@63Biscuit]

This is a great technique (thanks for sharing Garrett!), and makes sense in the context of "the snake bit me in a feed response". Let me explain my thinking here: I've used Listerine in the past with a woma python that was exceedingly food responsive, even with 30-120 seconds of hook/tap training; the moment my hands were in range, she'd tag me and constrict. Nothing but Listerine seemed to break her feed response - and it only took a little bit. I can see Garrett's point about "WTH is going on!?!?!" with tail chewing as a way to break or disrupt a feed response, and the Listerine accomplished the same reaction. The woma and I have since figured each other out better. :-)

[@lorie5429]

Great message Garrett.

[@frankkollar2278]

Wow I'm glad you put this video out Never would have thought of that Although I've never used it I have kept a tiny airport spray bottle filled with vodka near the enclosure just in case. I just threw it in the garbage. Also I've only recently discovered your channel and am very impressed with the way you treat your animals There was a video where you pulled a female and her clutch of eggs out of the enclosure and while you were taking her eggs from her you said "My instinct says I should bite you but experience tells me you're ok" and she never bit you, she never hissed at you, you didn't need tools I was truly impressed she would not have let you do that if you truly didn't treat her well and love her Its really good to see.

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it

[@Steve200300]

When I got my first reticulated python. I was told to always follow the routine when taking them out even if you felt confident. I always use rolled up kitchen towel so every time I open the door he knows straight way he’s being taken out to be handled. He’s actually very laid back. Like you said never deviate from your routine no matter how confident you are with your snake. Great info on video for bite release.

[@willowswhispers577]

I have had a fear of snakes for a long time. My hubby had a Boa when we married and I had him rehome the snake that was 30 yrs ago. After watching a few people and listening to what they had to say. So with saying that, I just got my first snake almost a Month ago. She is a 17yr old Butter Stripe Morph Corn Snake. I have taken my time with her started just feeling her then moving on to having her in my hands but still afraid of her face near me and picking her up. I have now moved on to having picking her up. She has never tried biting me or my husband. She is a sweet heart I feel so bad that I didn’t take the time to get to know my hubbys Boa I was only 17 at the time and had never been around reptiles. I am so thankful for watching and listening to Vlogs and taking a chance. I have watched a few of yours and am glad I found your channel

[@ChiaraMainolfi]

Thank you!! No one usually assists us in learning techniques to safely remove a snake. I’ll do anything to avoid hurting my girl. Thank you again!

[@ReachOutReptiles]

You’re welcome!

[@mrturveydrop]

That solution was CRAZY! Why more people haven't mentioned it is beyond me. Simple, and elegant - thanks Garrett!

[@Dadboa52]

Wow, wow & thrice wow!!! How useful, inciteful content delivered in a totally non-patronising/judgemental yet truly refreshing way......... SIR YOU ARE A STAR!!!..... (+ your animals are all in RUDE HEALTH & appear to be all kept IMPECCABLY)!!! It positively GLADDENS my heart to see/realise that folk such as yourselves are still a part of THE ANIMAL KINGDOM & EQUALLY A PART OF OUR Hobby!!!

[@Rileys-Reptiles]

why does the thumbnail have to be a carpet python? hahaha making my work harder!

[@richardyingling6972]

Riley, lol! What's he doing to you!?

[@LoriTorrini]

Riley Jimison I know! That is the first thing I thought too, “Why is it a Carpet on the teaser pic”?

[@dnaslitherscritters3244]

That’s a retic

[@wheezyvettech8781]

These are some of the best words of wisdom on earth. Thank you!!

[@hollyentwife]

Fantastic video!

[@michaelcampos6027]

fantastic video Loved it

[@realfnneato3111]

great video and thanks for commentary on enjoying snakes, a lot of people don't get why we love these guys

[@ivorywarthen8950]

Wow... I became a member of the reptile community about almost 2 years ago... since I was little I had a fascination with snakes, my family being heavily religious despised the thought of having any reptiles as pets. When I turned 21 I finally bought my first snake, and surprisingly I started off with a Reticulated Python. Even my friends thought I was crazy, but I just loved the personality of them, at every show and breeder I ever met, talked to, and researched endlessly. My snakes are my life, and eventually my family became open minded! My mother, who wouldn’t even look at a snake held my 9ft Cow Reticulated Python, she was scared but she did it, and what you said at the end couldn’t have hit me more. I am so happy and pleased, to have found your channel, I look forward to my recent subscription to you, and your future videos. Thank you, for being an amazing person that has the same love for these beautiful snakes as much as I.

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Thank you for being here!

[@R.A.D.REPTILES]

I expected you to show a snake not letting go while drenching its head with water or mouthwash. Not the case. Dude you bring it when it comes to information and creativity. I love watching your videos!

[@jackdawsproduction]

i dont know what to say! Just a really good video showing what to do but still showing respect for the animal. you, my good sir, are a wonderful teacher! keep it up!

[@t_dobbs]

great video and message Garrett! thank you ☺

[@tristendaniels5693]

Thanks for this. Will be showing tons of friends and family to hopefully get the point across!

[@gdlindstrom]

Struggle with the concept of this video or not. This technique could be a possible life saver. I am 44years old and have kept reptiles on and off almost the entire time. i had never heard of doing this until about 4 minutes ago. Appreciate the knowledge. Not gonna try to implement it into my life any time soon though if I can help it.

[@DorothyRInman]

Dude, I love them!! They are beautiful, one of the most beautiful things on this planet

[@seanparsons5905]

Just brilliant. Philosophy and advice 🙏🏻

[@mastersmartialart]

You are doing an awesome job. This is the first of your videos I've shared. It won't be the last.

[@bbacdok]

Great video.

[@StLMikie]

I’ve shared this video a few times over the last couple weeks. Thanks for it Garret.

[@cumtat]

Damn I know this video is super old but this guy should genuinely be like The Spokesperson for Snakes. Insanely likable

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Thank you!!

[@babygirl10979]

Hi there, I just wanted to say a big thank you for posting this demonstration video. I’m a new snake keeper having acquired a 2 yo Jungle Python and I have been concerned that I wouldn’t be able to get him to release me if he bit me. Your video has given me the confidence to know that I can get him to release me without hurting him too much 😊

[@ReachOutReptiles]

💯. Enjoy the journey!

[@sherrytapp1478]

Great video. I have never seen or heard of biting a snake’s tail to make it let go of biting you! Good job representing thinking on both sides. We, as humans, have the responsibility to think ahead and plan to be fair to snakes...and ourselves. Have a great weekend!

[@August-argleben]

This is a great video and I’m excited that someone made a video about this finally

[@MaliciousMollusc]

This is info worth its weight in gold. I wish I knew about this when I kept Kingsnakes.

[@bilalmaddox]

Great Video. You handled that well. Remarkably to be honest. I’m impressed!

[@jenniferwinters3436]

Very good points! Another great video 😊

[@johnschlesinger2009]

Thanks for a great video Garret. You dealt nicely with the Adam and Eve stuff!! I had to laugh when you chewed on the snake's tail! I had never heard of this method. I have read that putting the snake's head under a flow of cold water makes them let go. I'm pleased to say that the only time I've been tagged was by a juvenile rainbow boa, whose head was about one third the size of the finger he decided to bite - so that doesn't count!! Re snakes sleeping most if the time: my jungle carpet python has been very active in the afternoons for the last two months. He's a male, so I reckon he's looking for a mate. Your retics are awesome!

[@chriscosby51]

very well said, in fact i regretted my misjudgement upon hearing your first sentence. it happens it does. Youve got a subscriber here, love the info as well as your material.

[@TheJcure1206]

So happy that this came out! Invaluable information!!!

[@craigboure2776]

Nice message! Good to know

[@kerrinacragun7056]

Thank you so much. I've had to remove our Red Tail Boa when she has bitten both my husband and my son. Ut was a bit more angst driven. I am so happy that you shared this video. Now I have much more confidence. I hope I don't have to use it, but I feel more confident! ~Kerrina

[@Buzzgrower]

Great video

[@katiespangler5483]

Fantastic advice and definately some food for thought for everyone out there who is willing to rethink their stance on how much they hate snakes.

[@catzawadzski3748]

Garrett I'm a lucky one that has always been fascinated by snakes. I grew up in Texas and most of the snakes you see are venomous and can kill you but I still loved them.

[@IrondoggReptiles]

Awesome info and great video Thanks for sharing

[@rontronnesjr]

Glad you decided to share this tip with us. I think you explained the procedure well and didn't exploit the bite at all. You da man Garrett.

[@nathansee7306]

Good info and great message regarding conservation all wrapped up in a positive educational video that can be relatable to various views.

[@elleofmusic]

...that's actually SO ADORABLE 😂 And I thought the trick of pushing up on a hognose's snoot to get them to let go was the cutest thing ever, but biting a python's tail?? Of all the things.. I wonder what the instinct is behind such a reflex? I know they're sensitive about their tails because they're common targets for predators, but to that extent? Is it a "oops, I'm not killing this thing very well because it's biting me back, time to flee" kind of thing? So interesting! And while I've never been afraid of snakes, I have been very wary, simply because their body language and behaviors are quite foreign when you're used to pet mammals. I'm learning a lot now though, and honestly, this has been the most reassuring info yet! I can't imagine having any fear of snakes after this! Not pythons at least!

[@JDHReptiles]

Garrett... I'm glad you decided to go public with this video. The ability you now give, to help educate the people who are in this hobby is incredible. I also think those of us who talked with you about posting this may have expected this to be a bit more graphic. In all actuality, this was a very "normal" bite, and with your experience was very superficial. Thanks again for sharing. You are doing an amazing service to those and and those interested in the hobby. Dave Hensler - JDH Reptiles

[@jesuseduardocamorlingaguer7605]

I gotta thank you for the info and your commitment to your viewers and most of all the snakes in order to change people's minds about snakes and their behaviour. Contrats on your channel and I love your snakes!

[@jayboyle000]

Mate what a trick Great job Garrett its funny how people have this "thing" about reptiles in general.

[@michelleshields2244]

You are such a great educator!

[@d-n-dpythons565]

Another great vid. Top notch bud

[@jeffreylunda119]

Gonna have to try the corn nibbling method. Good tip!

[@JonFealy]

I literally just watched for you to get bit, to be honest it’s helpful to see it happens to everyone regardless of the experience. Thank you for explaining the mistake and why it’s so important to create that routine with our snakes and a solution to it.

[@michaelross5674]

Good advice... didn't know that chewing on the tail would do that ....cool learned something today thanks for the video

[@jmort2667]

I love this Garrett. You delivered this message with perfection. And cool technique that I hope I never have to use. 😂

[@jstomprud5]

I really appreciate the care you take and your choice of words in whatever issue you are addressing. Great job.

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Thanks Jay, we want to make sure we are able to address uncomfortable issues productively and in a way that doesn't paint our animals in a bad light!

[@greg20711]

Great info to know. Ty

[@tylerwilson3767]

I love this message!

[@mattrohde7294]

Great trick.

[@kylehartman4281]

Very interesting, would never have thought doing that would release a bite!

[@jacobnystrom9924]

Awesome .. thank you

[@prestigepythons5847]

Awesome video and you make a lot of sense i Will definitely send this to a few people who should hear this 🤘

[@Geoffbrowning95]

Interesting technique! Crazy how fast she let go after.

[@RoyalCanvasExotics]

Extremely loved how you touch on the 2 reasons many people fear snakes. I hope you dont mind if share the information from your video to many of my coworkers lol ✌🤗

[@nay.murray6097]

amazing, i was totally captured by the way it wrapped your arm . . something about the shape of your arm and her movements was really beautiful to watch and the technique worked great , super advice x

[@TiWolf666]

I think your video are great source of knowledge thanks for sharing this.

[@jaycid9929]

You make great informational videos. Your one of my top 2 people/ breeders i enjoy watching. I dig the videos about tips and tricks on breeding.

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@richardbilbo7009]

Always good info

[@austindevlin1]

Thank you for this!

[@bluefrog8670]

Great tip, thank you!

[@kat1984]

This was a great video. I enjoy reptiles but don't own any. This technique makes sense. I tend to give snakes a wide berth but that's only because I live in Tucson, AZ and we have a lot of venomous snakes. We have large gopher snakes and a variety of other nonvenomous species. I don't see any point in scaring the poor things. I also saw a wild Gila monster in my apartment complex last summer and it was amazing. I'm one of those people that rescues the Mediterranean house geckos that occasionally get into the apartment.

[@sklhsnakes3431]

Another fantastic video Garrett! Shared this to my Facebook where I know lots and lots of people that are afraid of snakes. If even one of the people on my friends list watches the video and learns from it then I consider that a major win for me, you, and the reptile world. Stay awesome Garrett!

[@AweNature1]

The snake bite video from Snake Discovery was the first reptile video I'd ever watched. It was what started to change my mind about snakes. In my head, they were around every corner just waiting to get me and hurt me. That was in about April. I've watched hours and hours of videos since then. We got our first 2 snakes in July and our 3rd in September with plans for many more. The snake bite videos remove the mysticism and fear related to it. Thank you.

[@ReachOutReptiles]

I’m glad to hear that! I would think that they would do the opposite, but it’s great to have a balanced view of everything

[@peterbabineau8146]

Great video. Thank you

[@eddiesanders3383]

Awesome video on how to deal we with a bite using I dare say common sense. Really impressed that when you got bitten that you were so calm. Keep up the great work because the more legit information people have the better choices hopefully they will make.

[@yzettasmith4194]

I've been watching reptile YT specifically to get over my unreasonable fear of snakes. It has helped. Your words are wise.

[@ReachOutReptiles]

Glad to hear it!

[@veejayhora]

My fear of snakes comes from the fact they are very stealthy & quick and seem way more unpredictable even when "domesticated"

[@ReachOutReptiles]

They are vertebrates, and act like any other animal. Once you get used to the species. Similar to how you may be used to dogs, but working with horses would be unpredictable for you.

[@flyersncrawlers]

Great vid. As always. Had my share of bits over the past 25 yr.s

[@alexisbrianne3]

Never heard of that before I always saw the "pour water over the face" or "put alcohol in their mouth" this one is a lot better. I love your channel and it is the BEST out there!!! you are always nice and friendly, never getting "too over excited" about things and sometimes (not to throw shade) I feel like other snake channels stress out their snakes a lot from the fast movements that they do and talking loud. You take time and presented well with everything said. Thanks a lot for being awesome

[@britanyrice5613]

Love your videos and also love my snakes. They are awesome the python is a sweety and the corn snake has a lil attitude but very playful. I love them both dearly. Thanks for the tip.

[@wendellsgirl10]

I love this.

[@TheFerrot]

Awesome that you showed us. I saw your post and I’m glad you decided to show it. Without seeing that in this video I wouldn’t have been able to understand I think. Thank you for taking the time to put this content out there

[@Ochibason]

Smart wise handsome man. Great approach well though threw with vid and great message given and sent out, and received i hope! Thanks took the words right of my mouth. Great technique seen ya mimic that on a smaller snake.

[@phillipward1286]

Another brilliant video , I had no idea aboute that technic , I hope I never use it ...ok on to the next video's..new years Eve with Garrett and the gang ...see how many I can watch today ..lol happy new year Garrett and family

[@gardenlifelove9815]

Awesome video!

[@davidmartin5377]

Great advice. Really appreciate you bringing the facts to life. My 11 year got bit by a baby retic and he didn’t even realize it. And my 18 month got bit by a dog an all most need snitches. Anything wild has avoided dangerous situations it’s whole life of course it’s going to try and bite anything that comes close or tries and to pick it up. Thanks Garrett for the video.