Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Not trying to rub any salt in wounds and I feel for the families of those lost....but isn't that 3 snake related fatalities in about 5 years in Cincinatti?

I believe we lost one lady to an asian viper, one guy to a gaboon and now a guy to a python.

Is there that much snake keeping going on there? Just a random clustering of events not typical of long term?

Occasionally we hear of people in the hobbyprofession passing away from snakes but so many in a medium sized US city is just odd. I would expect more of this in say....Miami due to it's population size and the warmer environment.

The rhino viper bite was in Dayton ,Ohio. As far as why so many deaths? Maybe it is because there is just more availablity of animals with out regard for training or safety.

Jim Harrison

Also I forgot it was a urutu that took bite the woman in Cin.

Jim Harrison

Jim, I'll chime in too. When you see the many reptile swaps inundated with various exotic venomous snakes for sale, and many from unscrupulous dealers, it really surprises me that every state hasn't outlawed the keeping of venomous herps. I'm all in favor of protecting people's rights to own hot stuff but I also feel that there has to be a much better process in place to ensure public and keeper safety and the health and well being of the animal. Like Jim, I see the worst of the worst in terms of irresponsible ownership of venomous herps (heck, any herp for that matter) so our views are based on dealing with many situations involving animal neglect and ineptitude of the owner. Thankfully, there are private individuals who are very capable, professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated that gives me some glimmer of hope...and, hopefully, there will be a way to protect these folks' rights while weeding out the many idiots who have no business keeping them.

Rob Carmichael

>>Also I forgot it was a urutu that took bite the woman in Cin.
>>
>>Jim Harrison
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL