Larry,

Gods, am I thankful I came on here. I used to frequent the Hognose forum among many others back in the mid-late 90s to help several which was appreciated, and now the help is being returned.

I suppose there are two sides to every story, or in subjects of fatality statistics, perhaps just some numbers missing. The 0.02% fatality rate of Agkistrodon makes more sense now, and which may or may not be significantly greater than a dog indeed. Still, like any other hot or potentially fatal animal, it should be learnt, feared, and respected to NO end! ...never to be underestimated! I have come to this more clear reality now, and being a guitar player and motorcyclist, I'd like to keep my fingers and full feeling of my arms.

It's also good to know a LTC Agkistrodon sp. can still be a good first hot, thank You.

I will most graciously accept a mentor if I can find one. Indeed, I have thought and even feared over a hot getting wryly and falling off the hook, starting to get away, and the like...I let this fear be a guide but not to live in - this guide encourages me to seek out a mentor that much more.

With Atropoides spp. having a lower metabolism, do You think there's a lesser chance of losing control over them? I presume You might also suggest an Agkistrodon sp. because of a possibly lower metabolism as well? What are Your thoughts on Tropidolaemus wagleri in regards to control?

Timothy

>>There was another copperhead fatality several years ago, also from an allergic reaction. I've never heard of a fatality that wasn't, though without proper care I could see a fatal infection being a possibility. One could argue that your chances of DYING from a captive copperhead might not be significantly higher than for a dog.
>>
>>However, while still not common, significant tissue damage, up to loss of several fingers or permanent impairment of an arm happens often enough to make it worth taking them seriously.
>>
>>You probably WILL want antivenom for a bad copperhead bite to reduce the amount of damage even if you are unlikely to die.
>>
>>That being said, due to the low risk of death, they would be pretty high on my list for a beginner, especially if you can get one that's been in captivity a while.
>>
>>As many others have said though, if at all possible, find a mentor. It's really nice to not only have someone to turn to for advice, but to back you up the first few times you lose control of a snake (it will happen).
>>-----
>>What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.


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T.J. Gould

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