Keeping Copperheads

[Will0W783]

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]

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.

[SSSSnakes]

Nit picking. Again what if and could be. Starting to sound like the plot to a bad snake movie. LOL

[Georgia]

As soon as anyone mentions keeping venomous, the opposition rears its ugly head. Hell, with snake keepers against it who needs legislation? ??

[Will0W783]

I don't think that Aaron is against people keeping venomous snakes; I just think that he feels there should be more regulation than there is. I can agree to a certain point. I do think that some states (i.e., my own) are way too lax. Anyone here over the age of 18 can legally purchase and own a venomous snake, regardless of their skill level. I've seen absolute idiots try to buy cobras and Gaboons at the shows all the time. Usually the vendors are careful not to let anyone get a snake they cannot handle, but the less scrupulous ones will sell to anyone with dough.

I personally love Florida's system. You need to complete 1000 hours of training with state-recognized, qualified mentor, then prove that you have proper facilities and caging for the animals. Then you get a license. You have to maintain the license, and errors or irresponsible keeping can result in your license getting revoked. I think that's a wonderful system of ensuring that the dedicated, serious individuals can own the animals they love, but preventing "idiots" from getting in over their heads and getting themselves, or others, killed.

[Georgia]

The issue imo is that its to strict.

[Georgia]

State laws mean nothing. If someone wants a snake, they can get it regardless of the laws.

[MDT]

Originally Posted by Georgia

State laws mean nothing. If someone wants a snake, they can get it regardless of the laws.

when you outlaw snakes...then only outlaws will have snakes...no wait...you can have my snake when you pry it from my cold, dead, hands.....no...wait......

[IW17]

Lol oh lord that's a funny twist on an old debate. As far as Florida's system, I only see one flaw. It keeps people from acquiring a permit if they don't have a mentor in the area. I realize that someone should have training, but it's kind of a kick in the teeth to someone who might live too far from a specialist who is willing to educate them and help get their hours. I have a buddy in Florida who keeps hots. He knows his stuff but has set up his enclosures so he literally never has to handle his snakes unless for medical reasons. His enclosures have two swinging doors, and a slot for a divider. He inserts the divider on feeding day, cleaning the side of the enclosure that the snake isn't on. Then when he's finished, puts food into the clean side, closes the door and removes the divider. When the snakes moves to the other side, he puts the divider back in, opens the other door and cleans the opposite side. It's a pretty slick system. His way ensures he doesn't have unnecessary contact with the animals. He just views them and appreciates their natural beauty. Oh and all of his enclosures have locks.

[pet_snake_78]

1,000 hours might be over the top considering you can buy dangerous weapons and operate extremely dangerous vehicles with far less training. I think a permit system is the way to go and some education should be required along with a hands on class, but I think 1000 is probably too much and will act to prevent deserving people from getting permits.