Keeping Copperheads - Page 3

toddnbecka · 11-01-14, 12:16 AM

To each their own, but personally I'd never keep a venomous snake. Gotta consider the danger to myself, family, dogs, and even neighbors in the event of an escape. With all the great non-venomous options available that aren't potentially deadly what's the point? If you're doing it professionally that's another matter, but no way just as a hobby or a pet.
Back in my teens I imagined that keeping a Komodo dragon would be really cool. Even asked about it at the local pet shop (not realizing that they're a protected species) and I was asked "Why would you want something that's more dangerous than a crocodile?" Come to think of it, even Steve Irwin never tackled one of those...

CosmicOwl · 11-01-14, 01:17 AM

Coral cobras seem really cool to me. If I ever keep venomous snakes, I think they'll be at the type of my list.

SSSSnakes · 11-01-14, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

Gotta consider the danger to myself, family, dogs, and even neighbors in the event of an escape.

Almost every area has some sort of venomous snakes native to it. One or even a couple escaped venomous snake is not going to terrorize the neighborhood. There is little to no chance that these snakes are going to breed and create a new population. Normally the only danger is to the keeper of these snakes and possibly anyone living in the house.

**Aaron_S** · 11-01-14, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Almost every area has some sort of venomous snakes native to it. One or even a couple escaped venomous snake is not going to terrorize the neighborhood. There is little to no chance that these snakes are going to breed and create a new population. Normally the only danger is to the keeper of these snakes and possibly anyone living in the house.

That depends on the Country and state you live in, no?

I don't know of any venomous snakes native to Hawaii. There's only 2 in Canada and they have specific areas.

If any venomous snake got out it's not the chance of them creating a new population. You would be correct there. However, I'd be more afraid of one of these snakes going into the pipes/drainage. It wouldn't be the first time it's ever happened.

SSSSnakes · 11-01-14, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

That depends on the Country and state you live in, no?

I don't know of any venomous snakes native to Hawaii. There's only 2 in Canada and they have specific areas.

If any venomous snake got out it's not the chance of them creating a new population. You would be correct there. However, I'd be more afraid of one of these snakes going into the pipes/drainage. It wouldn't be the first time it's ever happened.

That is why I said almost.

toddnbecka · 11-02-14, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

Almost every area has some sort of venomous snakes native to it. One or even a couple escaped venomous snake is not going to terrorize the neighborhood. There is little to no chance that these snakes are going to breed and create a new population. Normally the only danger is to the keeper of these snakes and possibly anyone living in the house.

Indeed, there are copperheads that turn up occasionally, but not inside the house...
I did hear something about an albino cobra loose in a CA neighborhood a couple months ago that bit someone's dog. Would have been much worse if it had been a child. I'm not saying it's likely, but it could happen, and I wouldn't want to be the one responsible for the incident.

SSSSnakes · 11-02-14, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

Indeed, there are copperheads that turn up occasionally, but not inside the house...
I did hear something about an albino cobra loose in a CA neighborhood a couple months ago that bit someone's dog. Would have been much worse if it had been a child. I'm not saying it's likely, but it could happen, and I wouldn't want to be the one responsible for the incident.

One cobra loose in Cal., in a state that has venomous snakes native to it, and yet everyone survived. The story was only aired because people hate snakes. Asia has cobras native and yet they still survive. Lets look at the statistic of how many pet venomous snake get loose and kill someone, compared to how many horses or dogs that kill people and I think you will find that the numbers snakes are irrelevant. All I hear is a lot of what if or could, but no proof.

Primal Rage · 11-02-14, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

One cobra loose in Cal., in a state that has venomous snakes native to it, and yet everyone survived. The story was only aired because people hate snakes. Asia has cobras native and yet they still survive. Lets look at the statistic of how many pet venomous snake get loose and kill someone, compared to how many horses or dogs that kill people and I think you will find that the numbers snakes are irrelevant. All I hear is a lot of what if or could, but no proof.

Excellent point!

IW17 · 11-02-14, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

One cobra loose in Cal., in a state that has venomous snakes native to it, and yet everyone survived. The story was only aired because people hate snakes. Asia has cobras native and yet they still survive. Lets look at the statistic of how many pet venomous snake get loose and kill someone, compared to how many horses or dogs that kill people and I think you will find that the numbers snakes are irrelevant. All I hear is a lot of what if or could, but no proof.

I agree 100%, but since when has common sense and logic stopped the media and ignorant masses from fear mongering and twisting up the facts. Cars kill an average of 40,000 people a year in the US alone, yet no one blinks an eye putting their children in a vehicle. But the mere mention of a large or venomous snake sends people into a tizzy.

**Aaron_S** · 11-03-14, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSSSnakes

One cobra loose in Cal., in a state that has venomous snakes native to it, and yet everyone survived. The story was only aired because people hate snakes. Asia has cobras native and yet they still survive. Lets look at the statistic of how many pet venomous snake get loose and kill someone, compared to how many horses or dogs that kill people and I think you will find that the numbers snakes are irrelevant. All I hear is a lot of what if or could, but no proof.

You're welcome to pull up the statistics of all the deaths in Africa and Asia from the small rural towns where these snakes are able to get into people's huts.

I get your logic with dogs/horses but you're not comparing apples to apples. You're bringing up animals that are around people a whole lot more than snakes. Further to this, how many "escaped horses" are killing or injuring people? Just about the same as escaped snakes.

pet_snake_78 · 11-01-14, 07:47 AM

Some of the coolest looking snakes are venomous though! I would own them inspite of the venomous factor, not because of it! However, in my state that's not possible and the rest of the family would never go for it. I do enjoy the pics others post.

toddnbecka · 11-02-14, 08:19 PM

Same deal with shark attacks, a swimmer bitten by a shark is headline news, yet thousands of people hit the beach (and the water) every day.

Georgia · 11-03-14, 01:39 PM

We can go on and on about snakes and how dangerous venomous snakes are. The snake itself isnt the danger, it's the keeper. The same goes for large constrictors... the venomous snake can bite you, but what about those that can Eat you? It's nonsense to debate about something that neither of you can win. Keep whatever you want and enjoy and preserve the animal.

Furthermore, preserve your right to keep said animal.

Will0W783 · 11-03-14, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Georgia: We can go on and on about snakes and how dangerous venomous snakes are. The snake itself isnt the danger, it's the keeper. The same goes for large constrictors.

Excellent post Georgia!

The vast majority of times, the venomous snakes we keep pose a danger only to us and the other people living in our house. If they escaped, most non-native venomous would not survive more than a few days, especially in the northern areas of the country. It's simply too cold for them, and they are not used to the native parasites and viruses. However, it's the keeper's responsibility to ensure safety is maintained. An irresponsible keeper is like an irresponsible gun owner- you are entrusted with ownership of a very dangerous item; and if you are careless it could result in your death or another's death.

I do not think that private ownership of venomous snakes should be banned. They are truly amazing animals, and private keepers have maintained some very clean bloodlines of otherwise rare, even endangered, species. Many people owning and working with species also helps us learn about their behavior, requirements, etc. However, I do not think that just anyone should be allowed to own them. You can't drive a car without a license; you can't own a gun without a background check and license.....why should it be different with a dangerous wild animal? Most exotic mammals that pose a danger to humans require licensing and training to own- venomous snakes and large constrictors should too.

**Aaron_S** · 11-03-14, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will0W783

Excellent post Georgia!

The vast majority of times, the venomous snakes we keep pose a danger only to us and the other people living in our house. If they escaped, most non-native venomous would not survive more than a few days, especially in the northern areas of the country. It's simply too cold for them, and they are not used to the native parasites and viruses. However, it's the keeper's responsibility to ensure safety is maintained. An irresponsible keeper is like an irresponsible gun owner- you are entrusted with ownership of a very dangerous item; and if you are careless it could result in your death or another's death.

I do not think that private ownership of venomous snakes should be banned. They are truly amazing animals, and private keepers have maintained some very clean bloodlines of otherwise rare, even endangered, species. Many people owning and working with species also helps us learn about their behavior, requirements, etc. However, I do not think that just anyone should be allowed to own them. You can't drive a car without a license; you can't own a gun without a background check and license.....why should it be different with a dangerous wild animal? Most exotic mammals that pose a danger to humans require licensing and training to own- venomous snakes and large constrictors should too.

I'm not against properly regulated venomous ownership. I'm not trying to win anything here.

I'm stating that there's more risk than it's lead to believe to most others. Yes 99% of the time keeping a venomous snake is only a danger to the keeper and who decides to live in the same house. The other 1% are the firefighters, paramedics, other visiting family or neighbours or whomever may come near where the snake might be. Yes it's still a danger and a risk that must be thought about when someone decides to own a venomous snake.

That's my entire point. Trust me, it isn't ALWAYS considered no matter how common sense it may seem to be. Plenty of cases of seeing pics of venomous snakes kept in apartments or homes that are attached/sub units.