Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interested in finding out more about the nature of the venom in a FWC (and about their other characteristics, for that matter). I am not in hurry to go out and get one, but I know that some of you work with all kinds of venomous snakes, and I figured this would be a good place to get some perspective.

I have always been fascinated with cobras, but I don't really like the idea of keeping what I've read to be a somewhat intelligent (for a snake, anyway), rather nasty-tempered (forest & Indian cobras I've heard the most about), LETHAL snake in my house. Perhaps the FWC is a suitable alternative?

From what I have "heard", the FWC's venom seems to be somewhat mild. The only poisonous creatures I have kept have been arachnids, and I managed to avoid ever feeling their poison.

If one were to get bit by a FWC, what would be the most likely outcome? Sickness to the stomach? Swelling? DEATH? Paralysis? Even a tarantula bite can supposedly kill someone with the wrong allergy. Is this a comparable scenario? Any and all information and/or links are appreciated.

Also, would some leather gloves and a windbreaker suffice as adequate protection (assuming you have sense enough to keep it away from your neck and face )? I have read of people "free handling" them, but tehn again I've heard of people sniffing paint, too.

I generally use my motorcycle gloves when handling the ATB, and a jacket (so I don't have to limit her motion as much) which still strikes occasionally (and constantly when I first got her, 2 mo ago), and the teeth don't make it through. She is still rather small. She's not venomous, so I don't really worry, anyway, and I understand that a bite from her is not comparable to ANY venomous snake, or even to any larger boa or python.

A little background about myself: I have only kept non-poisonous snakes thus far (ATB, and C. Imperator), and honestly am fairly new to them (14-15 months or so, unless you count bull and gopher snakes as a kid...) I am interested in doing things the right way, and, like I mentioned above, am in no hurry. I may never feel the need to get a poisonous snake, but I do like cobras. I don't really have any desire to keep one of the more poisonous snakes around, at all.... I figure you guys'll give me lots of good stuff to read, and regardless of my ultimate decision, I'll learn a few things.

Thanks for your time.

>>I am interested in finding out more about the nature of the venom in a FWC (and about their other characteristics, for that matter). I am not in hurry to go out and get one, but I know that some of you work with all kinds of venomous snakes, and I figured this would be a good place to get some perspective.
>>
>>I have always been fascinated with cobras, but I don't really like the idea of keeping what I've read to be a somewhat intelligent (for a snake, anyway), rather nasty-tempered (forest & Indian cobras I've heard the most about), LETHAL snake in my house. Perhaps the FWC is a suitable alternative?

First, to clarify, a false water cobra is not at all related to real cobras - it's a "colubrid" with a somewhat cobra-like stature, and it flattens its neck when aroused - that's about as far as it goes.

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>>From what I have "heard", the FWC's venom seems to be somewhat mild. The only poisonous creatures I have kept have been arachnids, and I managed to avoid ever feeling their poison.
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>>If one were to get bit by a FWC, what would be the most likely outcome? Sickness to the stomach? Swelling? DEATH? Paralysis?

There have been no recorded deaths. Most bites are rather like a mild viper bite: substantial swelling and pain lasting for some days. There have been reports of more persistent damage, and there was one recent report of a pet store employee suffering episodes of paralysis severe enough to cause collapse. That was the most extreme case so far. basically, severe bitres are unlikely, but they can certainly wreck your day if they get a good bite in.

>>Even a tarantula bite can supposedly kill someone with the wrong allergy. Is this a comparable scenario? Any and all information and/or links are appreciated.

If you were to develop an allergy to FWC venom, then you could theoretically die from anaphylaxis after a bite. This is however very unlikely in colubrids.

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>>Also, would some leather gloves and a windbreaker suffice as adequate protection (assuming you have sense enough to keep it away from your neck and face )? I have read of people "free handling" them, but tehn again I've heard of people sniffing paint, too.

Leather gloves and windbreakers would be sufficient. Most specimens are pretty placid, so long as they don't think food is coming. I used to freehandle mine regularly, not that I would recommend being overly casual with them.

FWCs are basically an easy species to keep and deal with, so long as you keep your hands out of reach when they are in feeding mode. They are nothing like real cobras in terms of behaviour or danger, so don't be lulled into thinking that they serve as suitable training animals!

Cheers,

Wolfgang
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Thank you for your knowledgeable and specific answers. Have a nice weekend.

Snakeman2004