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I'm having a bit of a python problem. Just in case it starts to wrap itself around me, what are some optimal survival strategies?
Posts: 3060 | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
Most large snakes will attempt to swallow you whole once you stop struggling. Remove your knife from your belt and lay still with the knife held flat against your thigh. Point your toes, as this encourages the snake to start at the feet.
Allow the python to swallow you approximately half-way. Do not struggle. Once it has progressed far enough to do so, stab the knife upward into the python's braincase. Twist blade as necessary until snake stops convulsing.
posted
Apparently, the approved method is to approach the python from behind the head, grasp upper & lower jaws and force them apart until the snake's tears in two.
The advice I read said DO NOT try this with a cobra.
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
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How large is your python? In a worst case scenario if he is a reticulated python and capable of eating you, here are some basic tips.
1: You CANNOT unravel him once he is coiled. Snakes bodies are very muscular and you have no chance of competing with it.
2: Panic = you lose. Snakes coil tighter every time you exhale in order to stop you from inhaling, if you can manage it, breath in as much as possible while he is coiling to give yourself as much time as possible.
As for strategies in killing a snake that is coiled around you I can't say. They precede the attack with a bite and their necks get into a very tight S shape prior to striking. Though they frequently just hold their heads up in a loose S when they do anything, you can typically tell what the S looks like every time they feed.
Sorry I can't be of more help
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
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There are instructions halfway down this page.
Whenever I know that I will be dealing with pythons, I always make sure to have a long feather with me. In the event of an attack, I tickle the python with the feather (pythons are quite ticklish, in my experience), which, if properly done, will not only cause the python to stop constricting you, but may also cause it to wet itself, after which it will become embarrassed, and slither away in mortification.
Alternatively, you can attempt this method. Caution: if you land up with this song stuck in your head, you might land up wishing you had gone along with the python attack in the first place.
Posts: 10397 | Registered: Jun 2005
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quote: 1: You CANNOT unravel him once he is coiled. Snakes bodies are very muscular and you have no chance of competing with it.
Er, this isn't really true. The trick to unwrapping any large snake is to start with the tail, his weakest spot. If you can get hold of the tail and uncoil him backwards there's a good chance you can get him off. Then again, if he has your arms pinned, you're out of luck.
Posts: 1225 | Registered: Feb 2002
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In the event of a python attack, let the alligator out of the closet, sprinkle it with Tony Chachere's and voila! Problem solved.
Posts: 2596 | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote: 1: You CANNOT unravel him once he is coiled. Snakes bodies are very muscular and you have no chance of competing with it.
Er, this isn't really true. The trick to unwrapping any large snake is to start with the tail, his weakest spot. If you can get hold of the tail and uncoil him backwards there's a good chance you can get him off. Then again, if he has your arms pinned, you're out of luck.
If he is wrapped around your leg, by all means try to unravel him, but you will notice its VERY difficult. If he is wrapped around your torso even with both your arms free I am sorry you are SOL when it comes to unwrapping. You would do better to try and kill the snake somehow with your arms rather than try to see who is stronger.
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
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A friend of mine from Sierra Leone said the trick was to allow the python to swallow one leg. Then it would run into a roadblock when it reaches your crotch. At that point you run a knife down between your leg and the inside of the python, splitting the python open.
Posts: 3735 | Registered: Mar 2002
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[derail] I love that there are so many of us here that know that part... IRL I only know one other person who can quote the pythons the way we do here, and he's blood.[/derail]
Posts: 4515 | Registered: Jul 2004
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The python and I have worked out our differences. The debate was intense. Quite emotional as well. But, well, we both are rational beings, and worked things out.
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