I couldn't agree with you more. I feel many amateur people get into hot herps just for the sheer excitement of being able to brag about owning something so dangerous. Once the snakes are owned and they realize that nothing can really be done with them. It's way too easy to be fooled by a venomous snake. I live in southern california and work with many rattlesnakes (mostly Helleri), and have experienced the false calmness of them. Many times they don't even rattle once detained. This false behavior gives that false assumption that they are a nice snake and can be handled.
I am currently working on a business proposal to try and start up a laboratory that would focus on milking venom for the production of more anti-venom. I also agree that anti-venom needs to be made more available to collectors and hospitals at a more resonable price. Talking with a few of the doctors in my surrounding area, they have informed me that they would have to research where to find venom if I were brought in with a bite. This is valuable lost time that my life would depend upon. There is no excuse for this. More hospitals should have anti-venom on hand in snake populated areas.
It is best to leave the hot herps to the extremely experienced collectors.
In my opinion, if a person wants an agressive snake, let them get a carpet python.
Your article hit the nail on the head.
Jason

[ Hide Replies ]

• MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE... - carl3, Tue Aug 5 22:05:09 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE... - oldherper, Wed Aug 6 10:09:34 2003
• MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE - bpg, Fri Aug 8 14:34:07 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE - oldherper, Fri Aug 8 15:23:25 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE - madeleine, Sat Aug 9 21:26:45 2003
• You probally can't keep herps under you current policy.They don't accept an - Tom Dickinson, Sun Aug 10 07:30:44 2003
• RE: You probally can't keep herps under you current policy.They don't accept an - madeleine, Tue Aug 12 02:31:43 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE - repsrule, Sat Aug 9 00:18:16 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE - JasonMc, Thu Aug 28 01:26:12 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE... - ranger1100ky, Sat Aug 9 15:00:50 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE... - oldherper, Sat Aug 9 22:48:17 2003
• RE: MAN DEAD FROM SNAKE BITE... - snakes-n-friends, Sun Aug 10 00:56:37 2003
• this fascinates me.... (more) - carl3, Sat Aug 9 15:51:36 2003
• RE: this fascinates me.... (more) - ranger1100ky, Sun Aug 10 03:22:30 2003
• But what about the economics of these proposed laws? - dre17am, Tue Aug 19 01:22:26 2003