In-person (Legacy Park, Decatur) | Weekend workshop | Certificate program | Offered every 8 weeks

We are pleased to offer a Level I Venomous Training and Certification Program at Amphibian Foundation in partnership with The Rattlesnake Conservancy. Our training courses are for anyone over 18 that is interested in expanding their knowledge and skillset to safely work with venomous reptiles. If you are a land manager, environmental consultant, first responder, zoo professional, herpetology enthusiast, photographer, military personnel, government worker or private citizen looking to learn how to safely handle and relocate venomous reptiles, this course is for you!

This 2-day workshop is a comprehensive training to prepare yourself for working with venomous snakes in captivity or encountering them in the field safely. Using the techniques and protocols laid out by TRC, not a single person (TRC, AF staff or students) has ever been bitten by a venomous serpent.

This “hands off” training approach sets the standard for safety, husbandry, and protocol for working with venomous reptiles. Our Level 1 Program is the leading venomous training program in the United States and has been taught to hundreds of students. Tailing snakes is not a part of the curriculum and will not be taught in this workshop.

Topics covered in the course include:

• Hands on individual training, guided by one of our professional instructors.
• Handling methods for non-venomous and venomous snakes.
• Learn about the life history, toxinology, and ecology of native venomous reptiles.
• Emergency field care for envenomation.
• Methods of relocation.

This course consists of 2-days of intense training with expert instructors. The first day of the Level 1 Course involves a full day of classroom work, where students learn about native venomous snakes in their region, venom toxinology, snake bite management, captive management of venomous reptiles, and disease monitoring and management.

On day 2, students take a written test on the information they learned the day before and begin training with non-venomous and venomous reptiles. Students learn to handle multiple species and sizes of venomous snakes. Routinely, students will work with Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix), Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon conanti), Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus), Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus), Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox), Pygmy Rattlesnakes (Sisturus miliarius barbouri).

The Workshop occurs every other month for two full days, from 11:00a-5:30p. Please note due to the dynamic nature of this course it will sometimes end earlier or later than 5:30p. Please be prepared to be flexible. These workshop training hours are documented for those that are officially recording their training hours.

This course is applicable for novices and individuals with entry level experience, or may be taken by advanced individuals as a refresher on information learned. Please only register if you are reasonably sure you can attend. Please contact us if you have any questions.

This class is wheelchair accessible.

From The Rattlesnake Conservancy:

Are you a land manager, environmental consultant, first responder, homeowner, zookeeper, veterinary professional, biologist, herpetology enthusiast, photographer, or anyone looking to learn how to safely handle venomous reptiles while receiving a professional certification? This course is for you!

This two-day course combines classroom instruction in important topics like native venomous snake species, ecology, snake anatomy and physiology, reproductive behavior, venom toxinology, emergency snakebite management, captive husbandry, and more; with hands on techniques like single hooking, double hooking, bagging, and containing venomous snakes.

This course has been taught to thousands of students across the United States and sets the industry standard in safe handling practices! Please note: This course consists of two days of classroom instruction and hands-on training techniques which require potentially strenuous physical exertion. Participants must sign a liability waiver, acknowledge a code of conduct, be 18 years of age or older, and capable of the following physical demands and mental requirements:

Physical demands - The agility to move in various positions throughout the classroom and outdoor environment which include standing, kneeling, walking, pushing/pulling, crouching, bending, squatting, and lifting.

Mental requirements - The ability to learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, communicate clearly, follow directions promptly, and complete a written exam.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or limitations to perform the essential functions with advance notice and discussion at the discretion of our team and Medical Director. Please reach out to us to discuss special considerations.