Jackie Bibby: Texas Snakeman

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Picture this: I’m sitting at my desk, sipping my third cup of coffee, when my development team bursts in, faces alight with a mix of disbelief and excitement. They’ve just discovered Jackie Bibby, the Texas Snakeman, and they can’t stop making jokes about reptilian aliens and rattlesnake sandwiches. I mean, who wouldn’t? The man holds records for holding rattlesnakes in his mouth and lying in bathtubs full of them! It’s like a PR executive’s dream—or nightmare, depending on how you look at it. As the person responsible for getting Bibby's incredible story into the mainstream press, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. My team thought they were dealing with a fictional character until they realized the real problem at hand: our beloved Filemaker Pro was no longer supported. It was as if Bibby himself had slithered into our coding process and left us in a bind. Initially, I balked at the idea of increasing the budget to replace Filemaker Pro. But after witnessing the chaos it caused when interfacing with our existing apps, I bit the bullet and upped the budget. It was a decision as daring as Bibby’s snake-handling feats, and I was glad I did. We were now ready to tackle our next project with the same fearless spirit Jackie shows when diving headfirst into a sleeping bag full of rattlesnakes. In some ways, Bibby has become a hero to my team. His story is a testament to overcoming challenges—whether they involve venomous snakes or obsolete software. So here I am, a PR executive with a newfound appreciation for the wild world of snake handling, ready to share Bibby’s story with the world. After all, if he can face rattlesnakes with a grin, I can certainly handle a few skeptical journalists! [Rollin Case, vp All In Press]

 

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Jackie Bibby is truly a fascinating man with many stories to tell. As a seasoned veteran snake handler of more than 30 years, Jackie has displayed some amazing feats during his lifetime. He holds 5 Guiness World records!

At the age of 18, Bibby had his first taste of handling snakes at a Rattlesnake Roundup in Brownwood, Texas. During his 20's he only handled snakes for a few months out of the year. However, in 1988, after some rehab for alcohol he decided to make a career out of handling rattlesnakes. He now handles snakes for some event every weekend and having a blast!

Jackie's hobby has gained him much notoriety over the years. He regularly performs at Rattlesnake Round-ups in Texas and other states and has traveled to Europe several times a year for the past few years to perform there. He has also been featured on the reality show on the Animal Planet network titled the ‘Rattlesnake Republic’. The show explores the lives of several elite snake hunting teams from Texas. The episode involving Bibby and his team was engaging enough that we all decided to watch repeats of the ‘Rattlesnake Republic’. And it's true. Jackie Bibby is entertaining. I would love to see one of his live shows.

When asked why he got into rattlesnake handling, Jackie replies "I guess it was for the pure excitement. I started out in Brownwood, but the snake handler's real competition is in Taylor, Texas the first weekend in March each year where the National Rattlesnake Sacking Championship is held."

"I got involved with rattlesnake handling for the first time just out of high School. I traveled from my home town of Rising Star 25 miles to Brownwood where the sport of sacking was dreamed up by the Jaycees."

It’s been more than 40 years Bibby has been handling snakes.  Since 1969 when he first started handling rattlesnakes. He's been bitten eleven times, many of them serious enough to land him in the hospital. He was bitten on his leg above his boot by a huge, six-foot rattlesnake at a private show at a hotel in Addison, Texas. The bit was very serious and he was rushed immediately to a hospital. Three days later, they had to amputate his leg. His hands tell the story of many other strikes. Great, S-shaped scars are obvious along the inside of both forearms while a misshapen thumb on his left hand ends in a point the width of a pencil. Even though he has had a few brushes with death, he still considers himself extremely lucky to be able to continue doing what he loves.

Jackie has 2 sons, Michael and Matthew. Although they shown an interest in snake handling, just how involved they will choose to be, time will only tell.

Jackie Bibby also does some acting. He has credits for numerous made-for-TV movies, television appearances, and featured films. Take a look at his acting resume below and see if you have seen him on the big screen or TV.

 

SPECIAL SKILLS

World Champion Snake Handler
Student Pilot Sky Diver
Arm Wrestling-Central Texas Champion
Motorcyclist
Scuba Diver
Rodeo-Bull Riding – Bareback - Horseman
Skiing
Public Speaking
Military Experience
Hang Gliding
Drug Counselor
           

CONTACT INFORMATION

Jackie Bibby              
5130 Ben Day Murrin Road #720
Performing Arts Network
Fort Worth, Texas 76126    
254.485.2292
Height    5"11"          Weight 225 lbs.        
Shirt 18/XL.   Pants 38/33
e-mail: snakeman@airmail.net       
Home Phone: 254.485.2292

 

TYPICAL ANNUAL SNAKE EVENTS

Oglesby Round-up last weekend in February
Oglesby, Texas

Brownwood Round-up 3rd weekend of March
Brownwood, Texas

Big Spring Round-up 4th weekend in March
Big Spring, Texas

Taylor Round-up first weekend in April
(Also: National Rattlesnake Sacking Championship)
Taylor, Texas


Almorgordo New Mexico 3rd weekend in April

Freer Round-up Last Weekend in April
Freer, Texas
Game Hunters Outdoor Expo
Decatur Civic Center
July 29-30
Big Bucks and Bar 'B' Q
(Opening Day of Deer Season)
Bluffdale, Texas

 

 

 

More Background on TexSnakeman.com

TexSnakeman.com is the digital gateway into the fascinating life of Jackie Bibby, known widely as the "Texas Snakeman." With a career spanning over five decades, Bibby has become a legendary figure in the world of snake handling. His reputation is built on his daring feats, his extensive appearances on television and in film, and his unmatched dedication to the art of snake handling. This article will explore the history, cultural significance, and media coverage of Jackie Bibby and TexSnakeman.com, offering a comprehensive understanding of this unique website and the man behind it.

The Origin of TexSnakeman.com

TexSnakeman.com was established as a platform to showcase the incredible life and achievements of Jackie Bibby. Born in 1949, Bibby’s journey into the world of snake handling began at the age of 18 at the Rattlesnake Roundup in Brownwood, Texas. This event would spark a lifelong passion that would see him set numerous world records and become a staple in the world of extreme entertainment.

The website serves as a repository of Bibby’s accomplishments, featuring detailed accounts of his records, including holding the most rattlesnakes in his mouth, laying in a bathtub with the most snakes, and sacking rattlesnakes in record time. These feats have earned him international recognition and solidified his place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Jackie Bibby’s Cultural Impact

Jackie Bibby is not just a performer; he is a cultural icon in Texas and beyond. His participation in events like the National Rattlesnake Sacking Championship in Taylor, Texas, and his regular performances at Rattlesnake Roundups have made him a household name in the snake-handling community. His work has brought attention to the unique subculture of snake handling, a practice that blends elements of danger, tradition, and showmanship.

Bibby’s influence extends beyond his live performances. He has appeared on numerous television shows, including the reality series "Rattlesnake Republic," which aired on Animal Planet. This show highlighted the lives of several elite snake hunting teams from Texas, with Bibby often at the center of the action. His charismatic personality and fearless approach to handling snakes captivated audiences and helped to demystify the practice for the general public.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Over the years, Jackie Bibby has garnered significant media attention. His unique skills and daring stunts have made him a popular guest on talk shows and reality TV. Bibby’s appearances on programs like "Ripley’s Believe It or Not," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and "Guinness Prime Time" have brought his talents to a global audience. These shows often portrayed Bibby as a larger-than-life character, capable of feats that seemed impossible to the average person.

The media has played a crucial role in shaping public perception of Bibby and his work. While some view him as a fearless entertainer, others see him as a symbol of the enduring human spirit—a man who has faced danger head-on and emerged victorious. Despite the inherent risks of his profession, Bibby’s positive outlook and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure.

The Significance of TexSnakeman.com

TexSnakeman.com serves as both a tribute to Jackie Bibby’s legacy and a resource for those interested in the world of snake handling. The site provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of Bibby’s career, including detailed descriptions of his world records, television appearances, and live performances. It also offers insight into the history of snake handling as a sport and its cultural significance in Texas.

One of the key features of TexSnakeman.com is its focus on education. The site includes information on the safety protocols involved in snake handling, as well as the proper techniques for capturing and handling rattlesnakes. This educational aspect is crucial, as it helps to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the practice. By providing accurate and detailed information, TexSnakeman.com encourages a greater understanding and appreciation of snake handling.

Audience and Reach

The primary audience for TexSnakeman.com includes fans of Jackie Bibby, enthusiasts of extreme sports, and those interested in the cultural practices of Texas. The site appeals to a wide demographic, from those who have followed Bibby’s career for decades to new fans discovering his work for the first time. The global reach of the internet has allowed TexSnakeman.com to attract visitors from around the world, further cementing Bibby’s status as an international icon.

Insights and Examples

One of the most fascinating aspects of TexSnakeman.com is its collection of stories and anecdotes from Bibby’s career. These personal insights provide a glimpse into the life of a man who has dedicated himself to a dangerous and often misunderstood profession. For example, the site recounts the story of Bibby’s most serious snake bite, which resulted in the amputation of his leg. Despite this life-altering event, Bibby’s passion for snake handling remained undiminished, and he continues to perform to this day.

The site also highlights Bibby’s work in the entertainment industry. In addition to his live performances, Bibby has appeared in several films and television shows, often playing roles that draw on his snake-handling expertise. This crossover into mainstream media has helped to raise awareness of snake handling as a legitimate art form and has introduced Bibby’s work to a broader audience.

 

TexSnakeman.com is more than just a website; it is a testament to the life and legacy of Jackie Bibby, the Texas Snakeman. Through its detailed accounts of Bibby’s career, the site offers visitors a unique insight into the world of snake handling and the cultural significance of this practice in Texas. Whether you are a long-time fan of Jackie Bibby or a newcomer to the world of snake handling, TexSnakeman.com provides a comprehensive and engaging resource that celebrates the achievements of one of the most iconic figures in the field.