Handling

Snakes

Snakes' body weight is spread fairly evenly across their entire body, so to support their entire body with two hands, hold at 1/3 their body length from their head and from their tail. Snakes can be held in one hand if their entire body is supported by one hand. Do not let more than 1/3 of the body be unsupported at a time. Never hang the snake around your neck or let them go through belt loops or in your clothes. Pulling the snake out backwards can flip up scales; you will have to pull them head first through whatever they have gotten themselves into (you may lose a belt loop). GUESTS MAY NOT HOLD ANY ANIMAL, INCLUDING INVERTEBRATES AND ANIMALS IN THEIR CARRIERS. Snakes are allowed to be touched by guests, one at a time, using the two finger policy, between your hands at 1/3 and 2/3. Make sure touching occurs in the direction of head to tail. Tail to head stroking can lift up scales and permanently, severely injure the animal. No head, tail, or stomach touching, and no grabbing, poking, or holding is to be done by guests. IF YOU DON'T SPEAK UP FOR THE ANIMAL, NO ONE WILL. Make sure the animal is always comfortable and not being violated. No one likes fingers poking sensitive areas, and no one wants to be violated. If a guest should come running at you and you need to get the animal out of harm's way, move your body (turn away) rather than quickly move the animal. Animals have been known to bite to hold on if they feel unsecure, not to intentionally harm you, but to make sure they are not going to fall.

Lizards

Hedgehog/Tenrec