First off, I'd just like to say that I'm glad reading through this forum sparked an interest in venomous reptiles in you. I must say though, I'm disappointed that it also sparked a fear of these animals in you. Keeping venomous reptiles is not for everyone. There are the inherent risks of serious disability or death associated with keeping some of the more venomous species. However, these animals should not be feared, but respected. If you were to run across a rattlesnake (of a various species depending on where you live), you could stand from a distance of five feet and observe it and be in very little if any danger. As long as you didn't molest or aggitate it (i.e. try and touch it), it would either sit where it was, maybe rattle just to let you know not to come any closer, or it would make a hasty retreat. There is a post by another hot keeper on some other forums about the "elitist" mentality that some people believe hot keepers have. Please don't buy into that. Very few of us (the exception being the few people here who are degreed herpetogists or venom researchers or professionals in this field in some capacity) are qualified to be called experts. Most (and I'd venture to say all of us) are still students so to speak, meaning that we are still learning more and more about our hobby and the animals we keep on a day by day basis. I learn something new everyday. Because we keep venomous snakes does not make us any better than the guy who keeps cornsnakes. Some might say we're a bit more foolish! In any case, the choice to keep or work with venomous snakes is a personal one and not one to be made lightly. It involves a certain degree of patience, time, dedication, and money. It is NOT something that is learned overnight. However, that being said, it is not hard to get into this hobby, if you do so very carefully. Again, keeping venomous animals is definately not for everyone, and if you don't feel comfortable, you definately shouldn't get into this hobby. But don't fear these animals, rather, respect them. Most keepers soon realize that their animals behave much the same way as non-venomous do, it's just you have to always be on your toes and never get complacent, because while a boa's bite may hurt, a cobras can kill.

Which brings me to another point. The risks keeping venomous are just the same as keeping large constrictors, crocodilians, etc. A matter of fact, a retic or burmese python can kill a person MUCH quicker than a venomous snake could, and there is no antidote for constriction! So if you should be praising anyone, it's the crazies who keep huge pythons in their houses! Thanks for your post, and take care, and I hope you find all the information your looking for on these forums.

AP

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