Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am extremly interested in atheris squamiger I have been keeping copperheads for about two years without incident probably due to the fact that I am extremly cautios. I always use hooks to move my coppers for cage cleaning and take the extra step of always wearing midwest gloves when doing so although they have never been needed. I live in an area where coppers are very common and copper bites really arent life threatening. Sorry for my life history but I would like to know if Squams are more or less difficult to hook than coppers? How effective would the midwest gloves be in protecting from a squam envenomation and what are the likely effects of a squamiger bite " I have heard everything from mild to life threating" I know there are many factors that go into determining the severity of a bite but in general what to expect. Is there any antivenom currently being produced for squamigers and if so how would one go about getting it.
All information would be greatly appreciated
Thank you, kurt

Go to www.worldofatheris.net It is very informative, and has information that might be useful to you.

The venom can do a real number on the blood chemistry and we've also shown in the lab that it is actually quite neurotoxic as well. There is some indication that Echis antivenom may work but this remains to be proven.

In anycase, they are easy snakes to work with. Just be gentle and use hooks and you'll be fine.

Cheers
BGF
Venom & Toxin Database

In no way are squamiger bites mild, these are very dangerous snakes and you will need to be very careful they can be very nasty.I would consider getting a Trim. ssp like white lips or popes I would say start out with feeding babies and let them grow with your experience. I recall a fiend of mine telling me he bleed from various places when bitten by a squamiger I think he was in intensive care for 3 weeks and his liver almost failed. You have to remember there is no antivenom for atheris as of yet although the RUMOR is saw scale viper antivenom can be used. I haven't heard of any cases so far who has tried the saw scale viper antivenom. As for the gloves I wouldn't depend on them for anything. I have never used gloves for the simple fact you just can't trust them.

Link

np

Squams have not caused any deaths other than a small blurb in spalls book.
The reason there is no av for them is the fact that no body has died.
so there is no reason to make any.
The midwest gloves work fine for small snakes such as these.

bud