Curious about viper venom?

Tyguy35 · 10-24-15, 08:22 PM

Hello, I was just at store talking to someone about viper and other hots as he's the owner of a spitting cobra. I had mentioned that vipers make really cool photos etc other then the danger fact of getting to close and getting tagged. He mention that the temple vipers venom is not strong enough to kill me and would basically only cause some inflammation. He mentioned his friend had been bit by one and was nothing but swelling no anti venom needed.

My question is that true?

Are there other vipers where when bit you do not need a anti venom?

Thanks

Tyler

SSSSnakes · 10-24-15, 09:32 PM

Just because venom of some snakes may not kill you, it doesn't mean that it can't do permanent damage to your body and organs. You should always seek medical attention if bit by a venomous snake.

MDT · 10-24-15, 09:44 PM

Tyguy...envenomation is an amazingly variable process. Your buddy's friend may have actually only received a small dose, or a "dry bite" where no venom was injected. Snakes can "decide" ( I hate using that term, but it works for now) what kind of venom load will be delivered. It is also true that the virulence of venoms are vastly different. It would be foolish to say "hey, this bite was from one that wasn't so bad, I'll just walk it off". Jerry is correct in suggesting all bites be evaluated. There is no such thing as an "allergic reaction" to venom unless you've previously been exposed to components of the venom before and have developed antibiodies to it. Your biggest worry will be the cytotoxic compounds or the neurotoxic compounds. My best advice is don't listen to your friend.

Tyguy35 · 10-24-15, 11:06 PM

Thank you for your reply. I was curious because I wanted to get some macro shots but I didn't want to risk dying lol although I love the snakes. I also do not have the cash to support the anti venom lol. Of course in my country also it is illegal in 98 percent of the towns to own venoms.

IW17 · 10-27-15, 06:16 PM

Zoom lens lol

prairiepanda · 10-27-15, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IW17

Zoom lens lol

This. My 35x optical zoom camera gets great up-close high def shots from a paranoid distance. Love it! You don't need to get up close to anything to get a nice detailed picture of it.