Gaboon pic

[Gregg M]

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1298img_0105-med.jpg

[sSNAKESs.com]

Wish i had the courage / experience to keep one of those beauties! :D

[Gregg M]

All in time my friend........LOL........ It really does not take big balls to keep hots........ I am very confident in my skills in keeping and handling these snakes....... That is pretty much what it boils down to........ And the more experience you gain the more confident you become........ But you still cant get too comfortable....... When that happens you slip up and......... BAM........ Trip to the ER....... You just need to find that middle ground........

[snakehunter]

what do veneomous snake licenses require (experience wise)?

[Gregg M]

It all depends on what state or country you live in.......

[snakehunter]

im in VA, and i am not too aquainted with the exotic pet laws... i only have two Ball pythons...for now

[Joe]

thats an amazing looking snake, If I ever get a hot im sure it will be a Gabby.....nice snake bud...

[Gregg M]

Thanks Joe....

[Mason]

SO, say you are keeping an illegal 'hot' snake, and the thing bites you and you have to make a "Trip to the ER".
DO you get some sort of fine? Don't the doctors get a little pissed that you are there cause something completely avoidable happened?
Or does that fall into the patient privacy category?

Know what I mean?
(nice snake though still)

[dead bob]

It will not fall under Doctor/Patient privilege in the US. For example, if someone goes to the ER with a gunshot wound, stab wound, or was beat up bad, the hospital is required by law to notify the police. Illegal acts are not covered under any "privilege", be it medical or otherwise.

[Gregg M]

Well Mason,
You would have a serious problem if you are bit by a hot you should not be keeping....... The fines can be very high and you could even spend some time in the clink........ Someone keeping a hot with out proper paper work most likely does not have antivenin for the species....... I am sure the doctors will have no problem with you getting bit because they are there to do a job and it also cost arond 20 to 30 grand for the treatment........ The ones that do get pissed are the facilities like zoos, that will need to give up their antivenin supply to save your life........ Especially when it comes to the exotic species........ That is why most of the hot keepers here do what is needed to avoid all of this, by keeping the proper permits, antivenin, and a good bite protocal, including directions on how to administer the AV to bring to the hospital........ Lets face it, how many doctors in the US and Canada know how to treat a Gaboon or Cobra bite??????