Having worked with venomous, as well as venomoids (surgically altered snakes which are incapable of envenomation) I can say there are reasons for both. Venomous are fine to keep if you have access to antivenom, have years of experience, and are trained to handle such animals. Venomoids, while not capable of envenomation if the procedure is properly done, still bite! A venomoid must still be handled as if it were hot, and the same respect due! In the event you slip up with a venomoid at least you will not end up envenomated! The way I see it is for species of which I am not willing to work with as hots (due to lack of antivenom, or other risk factors such as for use in my public presentations) venomoids seem to reduce the liability factor. One thing is a give, the venomoids must be properly done! Creulity to animals has no excuse, and only a trained individual should preform this procedure, not a back yard butcher!

By the way, a hit from a 6 foot venomoid gaboon could still land you in the hospital! The fangs are over 2 inches long, and "boxy" they put a huge puncture wound in you, and can easily become infected. There is also a risk of them hitting something vital, or a serious vein or artery! Just some food for thought!

Take care, and the best of luck in whatever herping brings your way!

-Steve Clark

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