I have a question: Hog nosed snakes are considered venomous (right?)but I see them at a local reptile shop. The owner says it is not legal to keep hot snakes in the city limits, so how come you can keep a hog nose?
~David
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Hogg nosed???
pmcdn
Dec 11, 2003 06:06 PM
Replies (10)
BGF
Dec 11, 2003 06:36 PM
>>I have a question: Hog nosed snakes are considered venomous (right?)but I see them at a local reptile shop. The owner says it is not legal to keep hot snakes in the city limits, so how come you can keep a hog nose?
>>
>>~David
Virtually all colubrids are venomous (with the only known exceptions to-date being the North American ratsnake-types (Lampropeltis/Pantherophis/Pituophis and relatives), the Asian ratsnakes in contrast are venomous). However, this does not mean that all are going to pose a danger. The garter snakes for example are actually venomous however they have been safely kept by 10s of thousands of people with only a few mild envenomations reported). Thus, yes hognosed are venomous (both the American ones which are in the Xenodontinae snake family as well as the Madagascar ones which are in the Pseudoxyrophiinae snake family). However, typically bites result in only localised effects (swelling and itching).
The venomous laws are usually targeted at preventing competent adults from safely owning elapids and vipers. They typically don't address 'colubrids' (except for boomslangs and twig snakes). I think that the laws are assinine and short-sighted. There has never been a single documented case of a venomous snake getting out an injuring a member of the public. This is in contrast to little rat-dogs like toy poodles and such which probably bite more people than any other animal!
Cheers
B
-----
Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne
pmcdn
Dec 11, 2003 06:41 PM
Thanks for your response.
By the way, how far do you live from Newcastle? I have a close friend who works for the University.
Nice website!
~David
BGF
Dec 11, 2003 06:50 PM
>>Thanks for your response.
>>
No worries
>>By the way, how far do you live from Newcastle?
My lab is in Melbourne. However, I am currently surfing in Coff's Harbour (just got back from the beach about ten minutes ago 
>I have a close friend who works for the University.
Which department?
>>
>>Nice website!
Fangs
Cheers
B
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne
pmcdn
Dec 11, 2003 07:30 PM
His name is Dr. Chris Fell. He teaches in the mathematics/ sci dept.
I have been reading on your website. How involved are you with National Geographic, Discovery, etc?
~David
BGF
Dec 11, 2003 07:50 PM
>>I have been reading on your website. How involved are you with National Geographic, Discovery, etc?
I'm a big believer in science communication and view docos as an excellent medium. In addition, its a fantastic way to get out in the field and get the specimens I need for my research but without bleeding my grants dry. For example, when we went to Ashmore Reef, just the week's boat rental alone cost Animal Planet $75, 000!
Cheers
B
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne
pmcdn
Dec 11, 2003 09:18 PM
Bryan, I would love to see more pics of your excursions. Are the few on your site all you have that are public?
~David
BGF
Dec 11, 2003 09:24 PM
>>Bryan, I would love to see more pics of your excursions. Are the few on your site all you have that are public?
>>
>>~David
I'll be putting up the science communication section sometime during Dec and it'll have stacks of pictures
Cheers
B
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne
pmcdn
Dec 11, 2003 09:27 PM
Sounds good. I look forward to it.
Ever come to the states? Texas (my home state?
You have a pretty interesting lifestyle, I must say.
~David
BGF
Dec 11, 2003 09:42 PM
>>Sounds good. I look forward to it.
>>
>>Ever come to the states? Texas (my home state?
>>
>>You have a pretty interesting lifestyle, I must say.
>>
>>~David
We'll actually be in the states (specifically Oklamhoma) next year while going to a conference in May.
Cheers
B
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne
pmcdn
Dec 11, 2003 09:51 PM
Cool. I think it would be something special to meet you two in person, however brief it may be.
~David
