First off, I'm far from an expert, but have some input. There are some venom charts out there that have maximum yields, but pretty much every one you see has different numbers. I think the average yield of a copperhead is between 20 and 30, with a max around 40, which is also the lethal dose. Don't quote me on this, this is only what I've compared from a number of different sources. Copperheads can just barely make the lethal dosage, and for a healthy adult, probably wouldn't happen. Be careful about venom charts, they can be misleading. You see bushmaster at 33 or 36 on most venom charts, making it seem like it is less toxic than copperheads. If someone where to get bit by one, they'd be in ALOT of trouble, it's one of the most misleading venoms in my opinion. Remember, most tests are done with rats, not humans. So it could effect a human differently than it could a rodent.

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• Question to the experts about venom load. - Dmitri1979, Thu Dec 11 08:24:00 2003
• RE: Question to the experts about venom load. - tj, Thu Dec 11 09:26:17 2003
• RE: Question to the experts about venom load. - WW, Thu Dec 11 11:37:40 2003
• RE: Question to the experts about venom load. - BGF, Thu Dec 11 18:47:45 2003