Well as far as their handling is concerned, I am not qualified to comment. However, the problem I see with having a Rhino Viper as a first hot is basically if you are bitten by a copperhead.....you will most likely be ok with rather prompt medical attention. If you are bitten by a Rhino Viper....you are in serious trouble. Most hospitals in the U.S. aren't going to carry appropriate antivenin for this species while the copperhead they can. A zoo's stock of antivenin doesn't count as a viable source in the event that you get tagged. I know of several copperhead keepers that would certainly disagree with the handling comment. To my knowledge, copperheads are rather simple to work with. This doesn't neglect their dangerousness, but just serves to say that you would be much more recommended to start with a copperhead. If this is your first hot, then a Rhino Viper is most likely WAY out of your league.

Hope this helps,

Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

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