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[Venomhunter]

Hi everyone,

I'm Venomhunter and i'm from The Netherlands.
I do research on reptiles in their natural habitat, i work in a shop and shelter for reptiles, arthropods and amphibians where i am the caretaker of everything that poseses venom (yes also dart frogs, allthough they have poison). I also just started a project dedicated to the research of venom, giving lectures and giving training on working with venomous animals (animal rescue, paramedics and experienced non venom keepers).
I also enjoy travelling to do research in other country's.
And yes, i do keep spiders, scorpions and a snake myself
If you have any questions, i'd be happy to answer tem

Greetings from Venomhunter

[pinefamily]

Welcome to the forum!
That sounds like a very interesting job. May I ask what qualifications you needed for it?

[Eggplant]

Pictures of pets?

[Albert Clark]

Welcome to the snake nation and we are honored to have you here. You will be tested but relax, that's how we roll! Haha.

[Venomhunter]

Originally Posted by pinefamily

Welcome to the forum!
That sounds like a very interesting job. May I ask what qualifications you needed for it?

I actually don't have a PhD in biology, however i have had training from a local herpetologist and we work together on the project. He helps me setting up the research.
When i finish my current study i'll try for a PhD in biology but that will take a few years

For the part of taking care of the animals in the shop/shelter, i have been keeping spiders and scorpions for over 4 years now and snakes for over 5 years.
I know all medical protocols for the animals we have and i also read as much publications about their venom as i can find.

And for the field research, i have been asked for by a local wildlife reserve because there was nobody willing to do research on reptiles
Today i'm actually going out again, looking for the european viper/adder (Vipera berus), the grass snake (natrix natrix) and some other local species.
I can't wait, will make some pictures because there is a great chance that i'll find baby's

So yeah, that pretty much sums it up

[Venomhunter]

Originally Posted by Eggplant

Pictures of pets?

As soon as my posts are not denied when containing pictures, i'll show you guys my collection

[Venomhunter]

Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Welcome to the snake nation and we are honored to have you here. You will be tested but relax, that's how we roll! Haha.

Thanks, i'll prepare myself haha

[Venomhunter]

Originally Posted by pinefamily

Welcome to the forum!
That sounds like a very interesting job. May I ask what qualifications you needed for it?

For the job, if you mean the job in the shelter, one needs sufficient knowledge of venom. I also work together with a herpetologist and when i'm finished with my current study i will try for a PhD in biology

[pinefamily]

Originally Posted by Venomhunter

For the job, if you mean the job in the shelter, one needs sufficient knowledge of venom. I also work together with a herpetologist and when i'm finished with my current study i will try for a PhD in biology

I should have paid more attention in science at school, lol.

[dave himself]

Welcome aboard and looking forward to seeing the pictures

[Venomhunter]

Originally Posted by pinefamily

I should have paid more attention in science at school, lol.

if you really find venom interesting, i'd be happy to teach you about it when i'm in Australia in a year or two

[trailblazer295]

Welcome aboard and please feel free to share your knowledge of venom and venomous snakes. Not enough experienced people with venom on forums. More hear say, word of mouth etc. Not enough people that do it day in and out as a job. Instead of some guy that bought one and hasn't killed it or died yet (no offense intended to anyone on this forum) it's just any snake doesn't require a license to buy and there is a big difference between a corn snake and a cobra. If it's legal in your area (and sometimes not) as long as you've got the cash in your pocket you can buy it. It doesn't mean you know what you're doing. I'm way to scared of them to own one even if it were legal in my area. But I find them interesting to look at because they do have unique bodies and colouration and more detailed experienced information is great for others who can own them and want to. There is no such thing as too much information even more so when dealing with an animal that can kill you in a fraction of a second. Please share pictures when you can.

[Sylphie]

Originally Posted by Venomhunter

if you really find venom interesting, i'd be happy to teach you about it when i'm in Australia in a year or two

Wow, that's super nice! You seem to be really interesting person with a lot of knowledge. And I'm waiting for the pics of your collection too Nice to have you on the forum!

[Albert Clark]

Well, in the meantime, we've had discussions on the forum about poisonous and its references as opposed to venomous and its references. Can you quickly elaborate on the specific differences of the two? Thanks. Poisonous versus venomous.

[Venomhunter]

Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Well, in the meantime, we've had discussions on the forum about poisonous and its references as opposed to venomous and its references. Can you quickly elaborate on the specific differences of the two? Thanks. Poisonous versus venomous.

The two questions i always hear when i'm working are:

1. Have you ever been bitten?
To which i reply: "Yes"

2. Is that snake poisonous?
To which i reply: "No"

if a animal is poisonous it will secrete it from it's skin this is most commonly used as the final line of defense (poison dartfrogs, some salamanders etc.) so when animals eat them they (the predators) die.
There are also poisonous snakes that actually secrete poison from their skin, Rhabdophis species.
However, some poison can be absorbed through the skin and cause problems.
Also when you have open wounds and it comes into your bloodstream you are in big trouble.

Venom on the other hand is meant to be injected into the skin tissue or bloodstream because otherwise it will not kill the prey or predator.
Should you dillute venom with water and you would drink it you'll probably be fine unless you have wounds in your digestive system, and it has probably a extremely nasty aftertaste.
Venom is extremely corrosive to the eyes, because the cornea is very sensitive and spitting cobra venom is a cytotoxin/neurotoxin it will just "eat" the cornea causing blindness.

But there you have it, in order to die from poison it must be absorbed via the digestive track, skin, wounds etc. And venom must come into the bloodstream or into skin tissue in order to do damage (unless when spat into the eyes but i already explained that) hope that this information helped