We live out in the country….so snakes (and critters) are just part of the deal. I rarely kill a snake…even if venomous UNLESS they get up around the house or my shop.
I was just starting to cut up a large tree limb that had fallen next my shop when I noticed movement about two feet from my right foot. I looked down to see a Copperhead coiled up and striking my direction.
The nerve!
Usually, snakes are quick to beat a retreat at the slightest commotion….but not his guy.
He was really acting pissy….so I said to myself, ”Well….fella, if you REALLY want to strike at something, try this chainsaw”!
With that….I gave the saw about ½ throttle (Poulan S25DA)…and lowered the bar toward the snake. I figured he’d strike at it and kill himself in the process.
Sure enough the snake hit the chain pretty much dead center.
Do’s and Don’ts for using a chainsaw to kill a snake:
1. DO leave yourself a path of retreat.
2. DON’T present the bottom of the bar to the snake.
3. DO realize…. that if you fail to observe rule #2, the chain WILL snatch the snake right back onto your feet.
4. DON’T be surprised if you scream like a girl.
You can see in the pic below… the chain took nearly all of the snake’s head off, but…. it also grabbed some of the body below the neck (if snakes have a neck). Pretty sure that’s what threw it back on me.
Remember:
ALWAYS…offer the TOP of the bar (bias cut) to the snake. That way it will be pitched AWAY from you if the chain happens to grab it.
Just wanted to pass that little “pearl of wisdom” onto others.
Flint.
Those copperheads are a pain in the woods. They blend right in with the ground and will not move a muscle until you step on one. 
