Center Staff Train for Venomous Snake Handling

Being prepared for any eventuality is part of running a busy wildlife hospital. Center staff, and the students who train with them, need to be ready for an unusual patient to come through the door, or, occasionally, for something potentially dangerous. While all wild animals should be treated with caution and respect, hands-on restraint of venomous snakes present additional challenges and risks.

“The number of venomous snakes we see at the Center is not large,” says Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Karra Pierce, “but it’s important that staff know to handle them in case a patient comes in that we need to treat.”

Dr. Karra looked for a training opportunity and found the Denver, Colorado firm Adaptive Environmental Services (AES), which offers a hybrid online module and in-person class in Venomous Snake Safety. K2C Wildlife Encounters from Northern Virginia traveled to Waynesboro to provide the on-site portion of the training. K2C are specialists in relocating reptiles, and are working with AES on a possible scientific study on the habits of copperheads in suburban settings, and their ability to survive relocation.  The Wildlife Center is now talking with K2C about participating in the research.

On June 11, the Center hosted Bonnie and Mark from K2C, both of whom are instructors in the National Wildlife Control Operators Association’s Venomous Snake Handling course. (They also work as science teachers in Northern Virginia public schools–making us colleagues in wildlife education.) The training session included a video component, instructional demonstration, and live handling practice for the staff involved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It was very good to have Bonnie and Mark at the Center to train our staff,” said Dr. Karra. “It benefits us to have our staff be more comfortable with their skills in handling these animals.”

Front Desk Coordinator Maliah Carroll attended the 2 ½ hour session. “I liked the way it was organized. It was very clear and informative,” said Maliah, who with other front desk staff, helps to coordinate all off the patient arrivals at the Center. “We always have the chance that someone might bring in a dangerous snake. The course will be really beneficial in helping to not get overwhelmed or stressed by it.”