Also known in some lit as Cyclagras gigas is a relatively easy snake to maintain (I am writing this as my 6' pair are busy mating in the other room).

As juv's I find moist spagnum works best. These snakes (to my experience)need moisture especially when young. There seems to be something about spagnum that retards body rot so a damp enviroment is more sucessful. As adults they love a large water bowl they can soak in, but do fine on Aspen.

Temps for mine are between 73-78*F.

Feeding response is incredible WATCH YOU FINGERS! Mine eat one med sized rat every two weeks. All my juvs accept fuzzy mice as a first food

FWC's can be very territorial. Commonly they will hood and thrash if they feel intruded on. Large specimens should be removed from their habitat with a hook. Once out they are usually very tollerant of handling.

I have been bitten by this species (a three footer) and the effect was like a bee sting. Burns like crazy for about 15 min. I suffered no local swelling. However, ALL PEOPLE DO NOT REACT THE SAME TO VENOM.

I am not up on the latest nomenclature as far as their identification or their distinctness from bicinctus or if they are not just a race of the same animal. For all practicl purposes there is no difference to the keeper.

To sum. Hydrodynastes or what ever Latin you chose to use on it, is a large robust and hardy snake with a great appetite.

Lots of fun.

fRANK
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

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