>>I'd like to keep my fingers and full feeling of my arms.

To be clear, that kind of damage is unlikely, and probably less likely than with many other vipers. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the possibility.

>>With Atropoides spp. having a lower metabolism, do You think there's a lesser chance of losing control over them?

I'm not personally familiar with Atropoides, but a quick Wikipedia search suggests they are known for holding on and biting multiple times.

Also, if you were to get a bad bite from one, unless you live in South Florida or a few other spots in the U.S. antivenom is unlikely to be availible locally.

>> I presume You might also suggest an Agkistrodon sp. because of a possibly lower metabolism as well?

This is probably the wrong way to look at things. Gaboon vipers probably fit that description, but they strike so fast you can't see them move and some will occasionally go ape-&*# and make you chase them around the room...

madprogrammer.com/snakes/gaboonstrike/

>> What are Your thoughts on Tropidolaemus wagleri in regards to control?

I've only personally worked with one wagleri, but like all the arboreal vipers I've worked with they were generally easy to control. They require a little dexterity with hooks (you WILL need two) to get them loose from a branch, but as long as you're not in a hurry you'll get it done.

One thing to be careful of with arboreal vipers is that many will occasionally strike out, just holding the branch with their tails. There are two problems with this:
1) It gives them unexpected range.
2) Every now and then, one will lose it's grip and come flying out in a ballistic arc towards your waist/legs/feet... That will wake you up in the morning.


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What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.

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