Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Why are so many people that own venomous snakes so stupid ? I just do not understand how someone could buy a viper without knowing anything about it . Or how a man can walk around with puff adders wraped around himself . Are people in our great country that damn stupid ? I'm begining to think so . More and more anymore you see people getting bit for being just plain old idiots . Your thoughts anyone ? I'm done ranting , sorry .

From the dawn of time (or the first appearance of humans at least, ), there have been idiots. There has always been and will always be those people who ignore all common sense and reason and find ways of either killing, maiming, disabling, etc. themselves or someone else. Unfortunantely, some of those idiots get into the hobby of venomous snake keeping as well. Hopefully, at least in this hobby (and in the world in general), the reasonable, common-sense-following people of this world will continue to outnumber those who choose (Yes, ignorance is a choice) to be morons.

AP

Idiots are why the Darwin Awards are so hilarious! I know, we're laughing at the expense and misfortune of others, but ya know, there is nothing more beautiful in this world than evolution at work...

AP

>>there is nothing more beautiful in this world than evolution at work...

Ahahaha, I'm going to have to remember that one. I only have one disagreement with you though. Ignorance is not a choice. Stupidity is when you know better but choose to ignore it, that's when it's a choice. Ignorance is just not knowing better in the first place. Not to be too technicaly though, of course

I'm continually amazed at the stupidity of people. They aren't just in our hobby, but we seem to get most of the coverage...go figure. The entire time I was reading through that article about the kid in PA who was bitten by his chlorechis and was underage, I just kept thinking to myself "okay, will this be the straw that breaks the camel's back." It's one thing when an adult who is fully responsible for him or herself is bitten, but when a minor is involved it's a whole other matter. They're of course equally bad, but not in the eyes of the legislators. Hoping this doesn't happen again...
-Chance

Good post Chance! nuf said.

Cause the majority of theses so called hot herpers really have no clue.
Even in florida with a license system we have more than enough idiots trying to impress people with absolutly no BRAINS!!
THEY NEVER HAD ANY TO BEGIN WITH!
Just look at the list of people bitten and hospitalized by their captive snakes.
Need I say more.
Most of them are darwin award rejects.
Don't get me wrong There are very serious hot herpers smart and in tune ready to learn and help.
ALL I CAN SAY IS GET BIT DON'T LOOK TO ME FOR ANY SYMPATHY.
AFTER ALL IT WAS YOUR CHOICE TO OWN A DEADLY SNAKE.
Good day
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Bud

The dude with the puff adder was in South Africa, the way I understood it he caught the snake himself. Which puts him on part with the guy who got bitten on the mouth by a rattler that he caught. So I guess it's not limited to this country, is it?
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Eryx - All the fun of a boa in a convenient pocket size!

In regards to why there are plenty of rather dumb snake bite incidents (like the latest kid from PA), it's because no matter how you cut it, venomous snakes are cool. Danger is cool. Extreme sports are cool, yet golf is not. It's because of the danger factor. It's the same reason every young male only seems to want either a pit bull or a rottie.

There will always be ignorant people, but the real blame goes to the lowlife reptile dealers who would rather make $40.00 selling some sickly WC venomous snake to a visibly naive keeper, than be a decent person for once in there lives and deny the sale and help protect the hobby they're glady raking in money from. But nope, it's a free for all, make as much money as you can while the gettings good. Only look out for yourself, typical home grown American logic.

If venomous keepers want to keep their precious hobby, I suggest not supporting unscrupulous and greedy dealers.