higher risks involved when owning "exotic" venomous snakes

[Reticsrule]

i was wondering if you guys think that it is more dangerous to own exotic hots than it is to own native ones. im talking about if you were bitten by a native species such as maybe a rattlesnake of some sort wouldnt it be easier to get antivenom than if you were bitten by say a gaboon viper or something else that is not native to north america?

im just asking because im really a lot more interested in the "exotic" vipers and such from southeast asia and africa than i am in american species.

please tell me your opinions on this and also if you know any good venomous care sites post them please thx:)

[cobraman]

It depends, of course, on the availability of antivenoms. I stock my own, but that requires a BB-IND permit that is not so easy to get. In Florida, we have several sources of anitivenom, including a good antivenom bank in Miami.

It also depends a great deal on the type of snake that one is bitten by. A Black Mamba bite is very serious regardless of where the bite occurs.

[Hamster of Borg]

This is why it is important to have a protocol book. The people that have to treat your bite may not be familiar with the effects of the venom from an exotic species. They may have no idea where to aquire antivenin. If you detail all that out before hand in a booklet you can hand to emergency services, it could very well save your life. Especially if you lose consciousness and can't explain things yourself.

It does require doing some research ahead of time, maybe even calling nearby zoos, research facilities or doctors to find out if they have an av supply, or if they can be used as references or otherwise be contacted for consultation in case of an emergency.

Out of curiosity anyone ever been tagged by an Atheris? I'd sure like to get a first hand account of that.

H