I wouldn't even know how to go about killing a copperhead but if I did I wouldn't hesitate. Anything poisonous in striking range of my dogs would be history.
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I wouldn't even know how to go about killing a copperhead but if I did I wouldn't hesitate. Anything poisonous in striking range of my dogs would be history.
Having had a lot of experience with snakes, and the Army's attempts to control them peacefully, I would have killed the copperhead. Anyhting dangerous to my kids, pets or Jen and I would have to be dealt with.
We have Coyotes around here, and we leave them alone as long as they leave us alone. If they come in too close there's no choice. You guys don't even want to know what the local animal control officer's answer would be to a call about a 'yote.
I hear you about the coyotes!! we have lots here as well! we have to keep our eye on them,and if they get too brave and come too close they are history!! You should see wht a coyote will do to a new born foal! not to mention dogs, cats, chickens!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady's Human
We have a bad coyote problem around here. I would NEVER kill a coyote if it wasn't harming myself or my dog. They are amazing creatures and have every right to live. In the end, it's us that are invading their territory so what do we have to punish them for? For many animal attacks people are to blame (not neccesarily with snakes, but coyotes etc) because they become WAY to tame. It's never the right answer to punish the animal.
I have a phobia about snakes. I can't even look at pictures without crying. They scare me so much. So I really can't say what I would have done.
Please don't spread misinformation: Copperheads are NOT usually deadly to humans. In fact, I'm not sure there are ANY recorded deaths from copperhead bites. There may be a few, but I know that in knowledgeable herp circles they are recommended as "beginning" venomous snakes because they are NOT DEADLY.Quote:
Originally Posted by lvpets2002
That being said, there are very few venomous snakes in my ares, but there are a few and I have the number in my phone of someone who I can call to come catch and release the snake elsewhere should one ever decide to turn up...(on my second story apartment balcony?!? Somehow I find it unlikely...)
In my mind reptiles are different. (now all reptiles and animals have
a purpose) but......
It would not bother me a lot if someone else killed a venomous snake.
(I do not think I could do it.)
As for animals, my feelings are different.
If you move to an area where we infringe on their habitat than you
just have to expect your animal getting killed goes along with the territory.
(it is up to us to keep that pet inside the house when alone)
Unfortunately as humans keep moving up into the hills/their
habitats the animals start coming down into the city to survive.
(now if the animal was actually attacking my pet, I would try to
save my pet no matter what.)
Just want to ditto this. Copperheads are dangerous but not a deadly venomous snake. Of course if one were bitten you'd need to seek treatment but there would not typically be any danger of dying from the bite. I believe rattlers are quite a bit more venomous (esp diamondback). Corals are the most venomous in this country I think. We don't have corals in my area but I admit I'd be pretty scared to approach one of those. But they are pretty secretive snakes, generally nocturnal and usually are not seen. From what I've read, coral snake bites are very rare.Quote:
Originally Posted by CathyBogart
No snakes in North America are the types where if bitten you die within 60 seconds type of thing. If you are bitten by a poisonous snake in the U.S., you simply go to the ER/hospital and get antivenom, I think deaths by snakebite here are quite rare. Now in other countries/continents, Australia, Africa, South America and so on, there are much, much more venomous snakes that truly would be classified as very deadly. None of this is absolute, fact, but what I believe from all I have watched, read and learned. So anyone more knowledgable (Cathy? ;)) feel free to correct me.
I would never kill an animal just because it is there (Ok: moskitoes ;)). We are in their territory, not the other way round. And many of them are threatened species because we are in their territory
Of course I would try to act differently if they attacked me or someone who was with me, whether it is a pet or a human. I am however not sure - I would be afraid to get bitten by a wolf or a snake. And I know I couldn't probably kill a chicken even if I hadn't had food for weeks so I better stay with my normal job ;)
The only time I got near a dangerous animal was a diamond back snake in Anza Borrego N.P. We had lost the main way while hiking and I heard it rattling before I saw it :eek: like 10 ft away. I managed to stand still and then back away slowly. When I was in a little more distance it slid between some rocks. *phew*
I am very glad that I could see a beautiful animal like this in an area where it lives (although I am VERY glad I saw it not 5 seconds later ;))
In all Honesty i think i would of put my dogs in the house and called the right people to come and deal with it,People who know how to handle snakes,No i would not kill it How could you im not a snake person nor do i like reptiles and stuff like that,but i would never take ones life that is not fair!!!!!!They were not put on this earth to be tortured either!!
Aye, you're exactly right. Australia has the snake with the most potent venom, the Inland Taipan, and South America has critters like the Fer-de-Lance, who I certainly wouldn't want to get near.Quote:
Originally Posted by K9soul
I know the hospitals in my area carry antivenin year-round because I called around after I spotted a rattler at a nearby park once. I'm ashamed to admit that it didn't occur to me to call and ask the vets in my area until just now, but I will check with the emergency vet and make sure.
Donna, that is exactly my view! I would not kill another animal unless a pet/person was cornered by the animal and was in serious danger, and I would be very unhappy and disgusted with myself even then. There always has to be another way than death in most situations. And donating the animal to a zoo is a pretty good idea if the animal is a 'repeat offender', ie is around human residence a lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by moosmom
Put in the same situation, I would have called a trapper and had him move the snake somewhere else. I've had many wild animals in my yard and have done just that. A trapper recently caught 4 possums in my yard and relocated them to a remote wooded area.
I would have tried a nicer solution first. Of course, I would never try to handle a wild animal by myself as I am no professional but I would have called a professional who knows what they are doing. My neighbor killed a opposum because it was on his shed, which had me upset with them for quite a while. The animal didn't do anything wrong and I don't see the point in killing it. Of course, if the animal had hurt my pets or family I would have something be done to put an end to the animal but I would never hit it or anything that drastic.
I don't think I could kill anything (other than maybe a bug...:o). I was rather relocate it. Then again, we don't have too many threats around here like that. Maybe coyotes...Don't think I would want to try to kill one of those though.