The dangers of keeping large snakes

[DrJ]

Hey now...let's not all get caught up in under-exaggerating the dangers of keeping large snakes. For pretty much everything that exists in the reptile pet trade(including invertebrates), large boids are considered to be the most dangerous. And, rightfully so. Tarantulas and scorpions are no threat. They can't kill you. No healthy adult has ever been killed by one. We discuss this all the time here. We all know it to be fact. However, strong healthy adults HAVE been killed by large snakes. Is it the snake's fault? Of course not! Every single time, it is the fault of the owner/handler being stupid with their snake.

But, let us look at this logically: The most dangerous pets in the reptile trade are exotic venomous and large boids. Even with the most venomous snakes in the world, the average human has at least 30 minutes to get to the hospital and get antivenin and steroids before the odds of survival start stacking up against him/her. With a large boid, if you get it wrapped around your neck and it starts squeezing, you could be dead in under 1 minute. And, there really isn't anything you can do about it on your own at that point.

However, if you are smart and know what you are doing, they make fantastic pets that are very rewarding to keep. But you have to keep in mind that there is a danger, and you have to respect it. If you don't respect it, it'll bite you in the end.

 

[jayefbe]

I'm not under-exaggerating the danger of large boids. The fact is, as long as you have a modicum of common sense they are no danger at all. Pokies have incredibly potent venom. I'd hate to see what that would do to a child or what effect it would have if someone were bitten in the neck or chest. People commonly keep incredibly venomous scorpions that can and most definitely have killed people.

Yes, a retic or a burm can kill a person, but unlike a T or a scorpion or a venomous snake, it's not going to attempt to constrict every person that comes near it. I know if I get too close to my Tityus scorp, it will sting me. My large P. ornata tries to bite anything that gets close. Unless I've been dumb enough to handle a prey item and then stick my hand in my Burm's cage, she is not going to jump out and try to strangle me.

I've owned plenty of retics and burms. The most dangerous animals I've owned, are most definitely my hotter scorps and my Pokies. Large boids aren't inherently dangerous no more than a labrador is inherently dangerous.

 

[Jmugleston]

; Tarantulas and scorpions are no threat. They can't kill you. No healthy adult has ever been killed by one.

Ummmm. You want to rethink that one?

If you want I can send you some .pdfs that cover human fatalities caused by scorpions.

Exotic animals can be dangerous. Those of us that keep them know the risks. You probably realize your spider has venom. It can bite you. It probably won't be serious, but you should try to avoid it. A large python can bite you. If you're responsible, you can greatly reduce the risk. Not eliminate it completely, but reduce it greatly. Any exotic animal in the care of an irresponsible person is dangerous.....as is any large dog. The same animal in the care of a responsible person is much less a threat. The danger is there, but the possibility of injury is reduced.

It is a similar argument that is used with guns, cars, etc. A large snake can kill and adult human. The cases are very rare considering the number kept in captivity. In all the cases, human stupidity is to blame. They are not bloodthirsty creatures looking for the next primate to munch on. As mentioned earlier, you should be much more worried about your neighbor's family dog than your neighbor's pet python. I know I've been chased and bitten by the a golden retriever when I was younger. I also remember the interruption to a family Easter dinner a few years back. We were sitting there when the LAPD opened fire on a stray rottie in the road behind the house. My sister has an old scar on her face from a neighbor's cocker spaniel that bit her when it was loose in our yard......

My point is that any animal poses a threat. The levels differ depending on the species. Some may be a mere inconvenience (no ER for a bite from a pet roach) while others may be more severe.....(see the chimp attack from early last year). Responsible pet ownership is the key. If you do your homework, provide an adequate home, and don't be an idiot, you will reduce your risks. Not erase them, but reduce them. By exercising caution and using proper protocols, you should not have to wonder if today is the day your burm will get you. I know my retics are large enough and strong enough to hurt me if I'm an idiot. I try to avoid acting as such when I am caring for them. I guess it is a matter of common sense.

I'm repeating myself. I'm done.

 

[sharpfang]

I know for a FACT, that there are Scorps which kill

You don't usually see them at a Reptile show, but, They are certainly in the Hobby {supply-N-demand}.
I am actually giving some Hot scorps to Jayefbe as soon as, perhaps, Tomorrow........I have kids, and did Not know what I was receiving
{venom wise 5-of-5, still scorplings}.
There are scorpions in Mexico that have accounted for Deaths, and in Saudi Arabia - There is one I heard that kills in less than 4 hours! and once,
a documented 1/2 hr. cardiac arrest...

However, You can also die from a falling Meteorite as well.........
So.........yeah, a little common sense, can go along way

My black labrador "Sophie", can lick you to death :} I still agree with Jay though. This Burmese Python mess really Belongs to Florida!
I would sign an agreement to "PERMIT" keeping Rocks, Pits and Cobras, etc.
Make Americans ACCOUNTABLE.

National Geo{channel} show on RIGHT NOW......"Python Wars" the battle in the Everglades. Worth watching.

- Jason

 

[Shrike]

I agree with the permit concept. I've been think the same thing for quite some time. A permit system would wouldn't restrict the folks that really want a large boid, but would probably limit the folks that might buy a baby Burm on impulse and then end up dumping it outside.

 

[DrJ]

Ummmm. You want to rethink that one?

If you want I can send you some .pdfs that cover human fatalities caused by scorpions.

I'm not trying to debate anyone, it's just a fact. I have read through most of the reported human fatalities, and in most, you will either find the deceased to have a "medical" history, be of older age, or be of younger age. The age range that we typically label to "adults" ranges from 13-18 (I generally say 13 is a good number) all the way up to 55-65 (you can go up to 65 for our purposes). So, speaking of HEALTHY adults, you can look in the 13-65 years of age class and not find any deaths. If you wish, you can look through your articles, or send them to me. The only deaths I've seen in this age range also had accompanying ailments, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. You can't really expect someone with diabetes or heart disease to have the same results as someone who is perfectly healthy.

 

[Jmugleston]

I'm not trying to debate anyone, it's just a fact. I have read through most of the reported human fatalities, and in most, you will either find the deceased to have a "medical" history, be of older age, or be of younger age. The age range that we typically label to "adults" ranges from 13-18 (I generally say 13 is a good number) all the way up to 55-65 (you can go up to 65 for our purposes). So, speaking of HEALTHY adults, you can look in the 13-65 years of age class and not find any deaths. If you wish, you can look through your articles, or send them to me. The only deaths I've seen in this age range also had accompanying ailments, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. You can't really expect someone with diabetes or heart disease to have the same results as someone who is perfectly healthy.

PM your email address to me and I'll send you the papers.