Hot or not? Who's call?

[wreckwriter]

The recent news regarding several lizards being discovered to be venomous to varying degrees (see link at bottom) has got me thinking on how this might affect herp laws, specifically in Florida. As many of you know, Florida does not make a distinction between mildly venomous and highly venomous in their laws, it simply states "poisonous or venomous reptiles".

I see no gray areas regarding highly venomous species but what about the rear-fanged and "mildly" or moderately venoumous? Why can a non-licensed person buy an Eastern hognose but not a false water cobra (just using these as examples)? How and by whom is the determination of whether a reptile is classified as hot or not made?

How might the new discoveries affect things since bearded dragons, monitors, and iguanas were on the list? Yes, not said to be dangerous to man but since there is no distinction in the law, could this be a problem or will they fall into the crack along with the hognose snake? I think that's most likely but would love to know who determines this and how.

Thanks for any info.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051116/...ience_venom_dc

[BWSmith]

It is beginning to seem that venom is much more common than people realize. After all, most people do not realize that those cute little Ringnecks in the yard are venomous.

[wreckwriter]

Originally Posted by BWSmith

It is beginning to seem that venom is much more common than people realize. After all, most people do not realize that those cute little Ringnecks in the yard are venomous.

Very true. I'm trying to figure out how the determination is made as to which will be covered by the ven laws and which won't. Ringneck is an excellent example too.

No, this has nothing to do with me wanting a Hydrodynastes gigas, nothing at all.......

	Venomous Reptile A term commonly used to refer to a venomous reptile. Most commonly used in reference to venomous snakes.

[JuliusSqueezer]

Sweet! I've always been suspicious of monitors...I am surprised though about beardies and iggs. Now on to birds. I want to know if our Jenday Conure is venomous...I'm so looking for an excuse to ring that bird's neck lol

[Alika]

Awwww, JS! Leave the poor iddle birdie alone!

Venomous bird. Now THAT would be interesting.

It surprises me about the beardies and iggies, too... especially the iggies. What use does an herbivore have for venom? Do you think it is a vestigal thing?

[JuliusSqueezer]

probably somewhat vestigial..I don't think iggs were always as herbavore as they are now...and they do eat some animal protein ...not much but some. Beardies are total omnivores though and from Oz where pretty much everything there is venomous and competition is fierce. I bet kangaroos are spitters lol. Crap...Venom from the male platypus spikes is said to be the absolute most painful envenomation known. It does not localize the pain to the bite area. Every pain sensing nerve in your body is hit and hit hard.

[BWSmith]

Originally Posted by Alika

Venomous bird. Now THAT would be interesting.

There is a venomous bird. The pitohui.