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72932
What a fantastic post on Venomous snakes. I'm printing it to use in my programs. It says everything I would want it to say. I love these snakes but no matter how long I deal with reptiles (twenty two years now) I will never feel that I am skilled enough to keep them. I have handled a couple cobras, a gaboon viper and a WDB. It was thrilling and scary but even though they stayed mellow in my hands, I knew that I would never to able to control them for any length of time --they are completely in charge-- and that had my blood turning cold!
They are the most beautiful (and safest!) from afar. Not only is there extreme danger for the keepers but there is a real threat to wild hots if the popularity for keeping them increases. How sad it would be to experience a rattlesnake in a cage only because there are none left in the wild. That actually goes for any animal, reptile, or invertebrate on the planet.
If it is an absolute MUST for someone then no amount of preaching will stop the person from getting one. If this is the case then I say to that person OK, then follow a couple things:
One. Try your very hardest to get a captive-bred hot -- do not take them from the wild. There are breeders.
Two. Spend lots and lots and lots (ad infinitum) of time with handlers before you even get your snake and do not purchase it until you get the Ok from whoever is mentoring you. if you live in the New England area, NERD (New England Reptile Distributors in NH) can really help.
Three. Read every single book you can, search every internet site you can to get as much information as your brain will hold. This includes researching venom. In fact, research who has appropriate anti-venom in your area. (You can purchase the Antivenom Index. I have a 1999 version; there must be a later version because mine does not list CroFAb, the new and latest anti venom being used.)
Finally, (but certainly not least important) check the Laws--Both CITIES and your state law.
Again, An excellent post BW.
Kim
[addsig]
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