I like Bill's response. Seriously, though, I do not feel that there is such thing as a "beginner hot"; any venomous snake can inflict a deadly bite. The bigger question is whether or not someone is ready to work with venomous reptiles; most are not but for the very few who have the maturity, knowledge, skills, resources and physical ability, they can be considered. When I have keepers who have completed their training with me, they typically start off by taking care of the smaller species of rattlesnakes such as C. klauberi, Sistrurus, C. cerastes, etc. These are snakes that can still inflict a medically significant bite but herps where proper antivenin is typically available (even though that should be your responnsibility). Once my staff have proven that they can take care of them properly, I add additional specimens to their "run"....but that only happens after many months, sometimes years.



Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center





>>what do you think are some of the best beginner hots? why?
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Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, IL

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