Hey,

I hope this helps some...no flames are intended.

While many bites of the mangrove are comprable to that of a scorpion or wasp sting you also need to keep in mind that a severe envenomation is not needed for fatal results. Personally a bee sting, or scorpion hit (of most species) is not a big deal. At the same time every species (or even locale of a species) can cause a different raction amongst one individual. You never know how an individual will react with unique venom traits, and other complications like allergic reactions!

You may take a hit from a mangrove with only local swelling, and some discomfort. Your friend the same....but who knows! Everyone is effected differently by the venom of a rear fanged snake (or any snake for that matter). While the event of a mistake is slim (as far as carrier error and getting tagged) there is still that chance. Who knows who will be illegal?! Have you ever been tested to see if the enzymes and other components of an exotic species were serious to you as an individual? A rear fang VENOMOUS is still venomous, and need be treated as such! The risk of getting in trouble should something happen doesn't seem worth it. The moral weight of knowing a person could die due to you being cheap and not paying to have the best possible for your animal in transit is worth the money as well!

Shipping can be done various ways, but just because a snake is rear fanged means nothing...ask anyone tagged by a boomslang or twig snake Laws are tough with rear fanged venomous, but they are infact venomous...personally as a seller I would not take the risk of liability in shipping other than as safe as possible via air freight carrier, and I know others feel the same way. If something did happen you never know what the legal action would be! For an extra $50 you get a much less complicated set of legal reprecussions should something happen! I actually won't ship hots if it can be avoided as I don't need a civil suit from a carrier worker who was too curious to let well enough alone (it can happen). If you must have an animal shipped please consider all of the risks. The hot herp community will greatly appreciate this!

Best of luck should you obtain some...they are beautiful snakes! Please remember though that they are hot to an extent (more so to some), and be careful! You never know how you or anyone else will be effected by a bite!

Take Care,
Steve Clark

[ Hide Replies ]

• shipping rear fangs....mangrove - turtsandtorts, Sun Sep 19 09:58:48 2004
• RE: shipping rear fangs....mangrove - spj01, Sun Sep 19 14:09:40 2004
• RE: shipping rear fangs....mangrove - turtsandtorts, Sun Sep 19 23:08:31 2004