Damn that HURT

[drrich2]

One thing that may impact views is where & how you were raised. The politically correct modern view is that humans are aliens entering the animals' world of nature, where the overwhelming majority of any impact we have is bad. I spent most of my childhood 'in the country,' where people tended to view animals as a part of a shared world. So, to pick one up & look it over then release would not seem wrong, given that gunning another one down & eating it was just fine.

That said, diving I generally try to avoid undue harassment of animals. Many of whom can defend themselves. Randy Jordan's blog entry on getting part of a finger bitten off by a porcupine puffer comes to mind.

Richard.

 

[lowviz]

Many of whom can defend themselves.

No "dis" intended, Rich. I share your views.

However, I remain amazed at how ill-tempered that particular breed of snake is. Almost funny...

 

[Azjd1968]

It is a reminder that our "exposure" protection isn't just from the temp. After my wife's encounter with a sea wasp off Bonaire, I learned from her misfortune.

Yep. There has been a few times that my wetsuit has been well worth its money.

 

[drrich2]

I didn't take any offense at all, LV. Water snake bites can bleed quite a bit, as I recall from many years ago. Quick follow up on the snapper shot seems responsible, in case anybody gets the idea to try it.

1.) I picked it up from the water. They tend to be more aggressive on land, where they can't flee as easily. And they can spin around very fast!
2.) Lifting large snappers by the tail is ill-advised; it can damage the spinal column.
3.) My right hand is surprisingly safe. In my experience they can strike forward & to either side or over the shell aways, but can't snap closely under their shells well.
4.) The left hand is on the back 3rd of the top shell (carapace), because they have some reach topside. And the right wrist comes in behind the back leg (you have to look close); don't want to be grabbed by side strike.
5.) They can scratch if you're not careful. Powerful turtles.

I don't generally mess with these guys anymore. Seen it before & nothing to prove, I guess. Like to see them, though.

Richard.

 

[lowviz]

Yep, it's a Hijack. I'm out. Being reported by DumpsterDiver is far more than I could ever live down...

 

[drrich2]

Apologies. No offense intended. I veered off onto the tangent in response to this piece of the OP (then afterward ChillyInCanada's land turtle bit, since I happened to have that old picture on a turtle hobbyist site):

I'm sure that a few people will derive some measure of joy in seeing the end result of me trying to manipulate helpless sea creatures...

Do people do anything special for barnacle scrapes, or just smear on some Neosporin & hope it doesn't get infected?

Richard.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Rich, while you're younger than I am, regardless, things have changed in this old world. The reson those snakes and turtles are so illtempered is because they just want to be left alone and their "fight or flight" response has been triggered. Ya I'm just a hippocritical omnivore but don't see any reason at all not to respect the physical if not planning to eat.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

some other clips from the same day..

[video=youtube;fBGEAKzurIs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBGEAKzurIs&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[chillyinCanada]

Wow that site really delivers.

 

[Hintermann]

The politically correct modern view is that humans are aliens entering the animals' world of nature, where the overwhelming majority of any impact we have is bad.

That view might be more than just "politically" correct. There are many - and not just eco-nerds - who believe that the concept might have scientific truth.