Chris,

Indeed, after having Wikipedia'd the Mamushi, I discovered a most beautiful and amazing snake! ...and I believe it's the one a friend of mine was talking about, from Japan (and elsewhere, it seems), that possesses three (3) "types" of venom: hemolytic toxins, and two types of neurotoxins: an alpha- and beta-toxin that are post- and pre-synaptic, respectively (reference: Wikipedia).

I like what You say about the irrelevance of dealing with a large, nervous, and aggressive harmless colubrid not being the same as the "real thing." The fact the realization of Your life being on the line when dealing with hots changes ALL dimensions physical and mental, I would think. And indeed, 'coming to learn, fear, and respect the animal for the ultimate power and perfection that it beholds' (to quote myself of an earlier message, haha), and utilizing common sense, practicality, logic, exhibiting safe practices, and maintaining a clear head while dealing with hots is what I see as keeping You all--and soon, myself--as safe as Destiny permits.

Timothy

>>Mamushis are nice snakes ,Alittle snappy but easy to control. Be careful about treating them for parasites they are prone. Also I really dont think that useing a non venomous for practice is much help ,it all comes down to being as careful as possible education of the snake along with fear and respect is going to be your best bet. There is know substitute for the real thing. Always be aware of the fall out if something goes wrong. Chris


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T.J. Gould

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