Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We went to a reptile show yesterday in Houston. Small show but it was wonderful. Not real well attended which gave us time to corner the experts with questions and get some great answers. Also, we were able to examine everything we were interested in. I came home with multiple animals and felt that I had indeed got some bargains couldn't be more pleased with my new additions. My friend, Tammy, and I each purchased a young unrelated Mexican Black Kingsnake. Tammy got a gorgeous female and I got a smaller male. First time I had even seen these except for pics on the forum and web. These babies are so docile and unafraid of handling that we were intrigued and excited to bring them home with us. Upon my return home I went to Google and searched for more info on them. I found at least two sites that said these were venumous. Also mentioned that "some" were rear fanged. The breeder of these animals and none of the other information mentioned such details. What is the skinny on these wonderful snake?

They're not venomous. They don't even have Duvernoy (sp?) glands to qualify them as any "new" venomous specie from Dr. Fry's study. Some people think kings have some type of enzyme in they're syliva which can cause reactions to bites in some people. Mostly just a small rash or itching. Hope this helps.
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Ace

but they are definitely not venomous. I think I found the reference you are talking about and it is just giving a general description of Colubrids- SOME of which are rear fanged. My female MBK is one of the easiest handling snakes in my collection. Never even musked me! They do have strong feeding responses so don't get in the way of their dinner...
Good luck with your new snake!
Lora

I have an adult male Mexican Black. I can't think of a better snake to start with. Gentle dispostion, not too large. Without a doubt non-venomous. Just keep hands clear during feeding. As the other poster said, they do have a strong feeding response, as do most Getula.

Steve