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VIPER Workshop

  • Ruffner Mountain Pavilion 1214 81st Street South Birmingham, AL. 35206 United States (map)

Cost: $50 non-members, $40 for members. Members, please check your e-newsletter for your discount code.

Event Description

Please join JCGC and VIPER (Venomous Improved Preparedness for Emergency Responders) for a workshop where all participants will learn to safely handle (with tools), bucket, relocate, and identify Alabama's venomous snakes.

Please note: This is an intense, all-day class (9AM to 5PM) where participants will have the chance to learn to use a hook, tongs, and bucket on live venomous snakes, with the intention upon completion of being able to confidently identify and relocate venomous snakes in the field.  Participants will have the chance to practice and bucket a live venomous snake in this class.  This is a great class for first responders, people who work in the outdoors, and people who may encounter venomous snakes as a part of their work.  However, anyone 18+ is welcome to attend.  There is a 25-participant limit for this class.

Disclaimer: There will be multiple live examples of all of Alabama's venomous snakes at this class (Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth, Copperhead, and Eastern Coral Snake).  These snakes will, under controlled circumstances, be outside of their enclosures and free-range on the floor of the classroom.  All live snakes are presented with proper DCNR permitting.

If you have your own tools (hook, tongs, bucket), please feel free to bring them. However, no additional live snakes will be allowed in the class.

All participants must be 18+ and must sign two waivers: one for JCGC and one for VIPER.

All participants must wear close-toed shoes, preferably boots that go above the ankle.

Later Event: August 27
Tuesday Night Trails