Cobras for Derek1

[Will0W783]

Jossh27,

In PA where I live, there are no state-wide restrictions on keeping venomous snakes. Some localities do have bans or other restrictions, but for the most part as long as it's not native it's ok. If you're over 18, you can buy one.

However, that's not saying that I feel that anyone should be able to just go out and buy a venomous snake here, even though that's what's allowed. I personally will not, nor will I associate with anyone who will, sell a venomous snake to any individual that I have not had a good extensive conversation with on his/her experience and training. I personally had a very good mentor to help me hone my skills and learn a lot about living with hots, but I also put in years of heavy research beforehand. And I worked my way up with aggressive colubrids, arboreal pythons/boas, and rear-fanged species. I do feel that some sort of licensing protocol would be good in PA- maybe a skills test and a certain number of required hours with a mentor or some such thing. Several of my snakes are rescues from people who had no business owning them. One such animal is "Gabby," a 5-foot, 15-20lb Gaboon viper whose previous owner had her in a 30-gallon fish tank with a simple screen lid and flimsy cage clips. His toddler had taken an interest in Gabby and it was not going to end well for anyone involved. Gabby now has a 5 x 3 foot Vision cage with heavy duty locks and plenty of room to move around. I also have a male EDB who was rescued from a frat house where he was getting abused and teased by the idiots....

Venomous snakes are a very serious animal, and the decision to own one should not be taken lightly. You are making a conscious choice to invite potential death and dismemberment into your house, and interact with it on a daily basis. I love my vipers, and cannot imagine life without them, but I am aware of what they can do to me, and would given the change, and it is sobering.