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View Full Version : Meet the Gaboon

botis
08-02-12, 12:29 PM
This is Jabba, my 2.5 year old West African Gaboon Viper. He's one of only three terrestrial snakes in my collection, and the only hot. I've had him since he was a newborn baby, no thicker than my middle finger. Nowadays, he's well over 3 feet long, and about as wide as a 12oz can of pop. It's been fascinating to watch him mature. Besides being stunningly beautiful, these guys have awesome personalities. Upon entering his room, I'm greeted with low, repeated hissing sound, very similar to air being let out of a tire. If I approach his cage at eye level, he'll bob his head up and down, and side to side, as if he's trying to tell me "you better back off, buddy". It really is a sight to see. I don't photograph him very often, because I try to limit my interactions with him due to his incredibly dangerous bite. When I do, though, he rarely disappoints. These are some shots I got of him this morning. Enjoy.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/051-2-1.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/054-2-2.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/055-2.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/080-2.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/083-2.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/114-2-1.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/119-2.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/120-2-2.jpg
botis
08-02-12, 12:35 PM
This him on the day that I brought him home, in late February 2010, coiling quite comfortably in a 4.5 inch diameter deli-cup. They grow up so fast...

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/botis1313/WEST%20AFRICAN%20GABOON%20VIPER%20male/100_2016-2-1.jpg
dbassa
08-02-12, 12:35 PM
My all-time favorite venomous snake! Always has been ever since I was a kid and did a report on venomous snakes for school. And you are right, he is stunning!

Thanks for posting.
botis
08-02-12, 12:40 PM
I think these are high on the list of anyone who's into venomous snakes. Arboreals are what I love, but I've always wanted a Gaboon.
SSSSnakes
08-02-12, 12:51 PM
Nice viper. Gaboons have always been my favorite vipers, as you could tell from my email address.
Wildside
08-02-12, 12:53 PM
I so love and admire you hot keepers to death. The desire just does not lie within me :( Beautiful Viper!
botis
08-02-12, 01:01 PM
Thanks:D They have always been one of my favorites, too. Probably the first venomous snake that I really became enamored with.
Lankyrob
08-02-12, 01:08 PM
Just simply beautiful :)
moshirimon
08-02-12, 01:46 PM
Ohh how badly i wana just feeel the texture of his skin!!!
MoreliAddict
08-02-12, 01:53 PM
Nice Gaboon! Those have such a nasty bite...
SWDK
08-02-12, 02:06 PM
Absolutely Stunning!
etc
08-02-12, 02:55 PM
That's a nice Gabby you got there Brian. I too love arboreals foremost but have that special affinity for the Bitis species.
jaleely
08-02-12, 07:59 PM
Gaboon vipers are my favorite hot! I love him!!! What a gangly little school kid he was...now big and beautiful! hehe
Rogue628
08-02-12, 08:27 PM
Beautiful Gabby! :D
botis
08-03-12, 09:10 AM
Thanks again, everyone.

Their skin has very sharp, rough feel to it. This is a stictly hands off snake. On one occasion, I had to tube him to remove some debris from his mouth, and it was an experience to remember. It was cool to finally feel his skin, but restraining this guy is like trying to dissarm a land mine. Very stressfull. I'll be a happy camper if I never have to touch any part of him, ever again.

I agree, jaleely. They are kind of weird looking as babies, almost alien looking. They grow into such majestic creatures, though:D
Will0W783
08-03-12, 10:14 AM
Gorgeous Gabby!!! I love Gaboons...they are so impressive and beautiful. My fiance absolutely will not let me own one though. :(
millertime89
08-03-12, 11:24 AM
What a great looking Gabby. I love seeing pictures of them with their mouths open and fangs extended. Truly an intense looking species and yours is exceptional.
DragonsEye
08-03-12, 02:50 PM
Very handsome animal!
bigsnakegirl785
08-04-12, 12:27 AM
He is beautiful! Gaboons are also my favorite venomous snake, although I'd never own a hot. I prefer a snake I can hold, lol.
brandonh
08-04-12, 02:54 AM
Gaboons are extremely beautiful :) great pics and thanks for sharing :)
vendettaseve
08-04-12, 04:09 AM
What a fantastic looking snake, the look in his eye really does make you feel as if you are in the presence of something powerful.

Sadly hots are something I will never keep, I still have nightmares about that football hand picture -_-
botis
08-04-12, 09:03 AM
They're definitely not for everyone. While they're not the most lethal, many say that their bite is among the most painfull, disfiguring around. I use the utmost caution around this guy.
vendettaseve
08-04-12, 07:09 PM
They're definitely not for everyone. While they're not the most lethal, many say that their bite is among the most painfull, disfiguring around. I use the utmost caution around this guy.


Do they give you the football hands if they get you? or is that another snake that does that.



Edit. Found a picture of what I was thinking of, turns out its the handywork of a rattlesnake, will share the image on request.
botis
08-05-12, 10:04 AM
Not sure what football hands are, but this page gives a good rundown of the affects from a WA Gaboon bite.

WCH Clinical Toxinology Resources (http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?fuseaction=main.snakes.display&id=SN0236)
vendettaseve
08-05-12, 02:13 PM
Not sure what football hands are, but this page gives a good rundown of the affects from a WA Gaboon bite.

WCH Clinical Toxinology Resources (http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?fuseaction=main.snakes.display&id=SN0236)


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599263_260087894103934_1959410192_n.jpg


Click at own risk :3 It isnt pleasant.