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False Water Cobras
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by ChadDavidson on August 11, 2001
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I just recieved a trio of False Water Cobra neonates from a friend. Now he and I spoke at some length about how hot they were, a conversation that I've had previously with other people. I thought that it would be interesting to see what was on the internet regarding the topic and found some very differing views, ranging from more venomous than C. atrox, to less venomous than the Western Hognose. I thought that I'd stir the pot a little and ask,........
So exactly how Venomous is Hydrodynastes gigas anyway ??
Have fun.
Chad Davidson
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RE: False Water Cobras
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by AzAtrox on August 12, 2001
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All things considered, Hydrodynastes gigas is a species of snake that I'd rather not be bitten by....As with any large rear-fanged snake, due respect should be the rule....As far as the toxicity, I've seen the report on it, and it does say that it is on par with Crotalus atrox, but atrox has a much larger yield....My Hydrodynastes is a very aggressive feeder, and opening the cage invariably results in a mad rush at my hand.....
Because there hasn't been alot of work done on this species' venom, I'd treat it as you would any large rear-fanged snake....Remember, Boomslangs were sold in pet stores before their deadly potential was realized!!!! Be careful, and be safe!
-AzAtrox
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RE: False Water Cobras
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by Naja_oxiana on August 12, 2001
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Bryan Grieg Fry's website should have some ionfo on H. gigas. (kingsnake.com/toxinology)
As far as comparisons, I had read that it was at least as potent as C. ademanteus. I'd give it the same respect I'd give an elapid. I know that Tom Townsend had some for a while, so you might ask him about them. Also PatrickV who posts at K.com/s forums has one and was recently tagged. I believe that he posted pictures.
Cheers
Roger
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RE: False Water Cobras
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by GREGLONGHURST on August 12, 2001
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I maintained Hydrodynastes, which were then called Cyclagras, for more than a dozen years, until I read the paper co-authored by Louis Porras, which put the venom in the same range of toxicity as C. atrox. How's that for a run-on sentence? After reading that paper, I quit maintaining them for the simple reason that there is no antivenin, so why take the risk. I realize they lack the capability to deliver a large quantity of venom, but at that toxicity level, a large quantity is not necessary. They are nice looking, easily maintained animals that will breed like crazy. ~~Greg~~
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RE: False Water Cobras
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by CAISSACA on August 14, 2001
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In general, FWCs have a pretty good safety record, considering how common they are in captivity. However, there have been a couple of serious bites causing substantial local tissue damage, and one case resulting in recurrent episodes of paralysis in a keeper. Serious or life-threatening bites are thus uncommon, but certainly possible. While I would not go so far as to treat them like an elapid, bites should certainly be avoided. Comparisons of LD50 with rattlesnakes are meaningless, as they only refer to lethality to mice, and do not take into account the quantity of venom available, nor the efficiency of the injecting mechanism.
Cheers,
Wolfgang
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RE: False Water Cobras
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by Atrox9 on November 5, 2006
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I have a female FWC and she is the most placid snake in my possesion. Before I purchased her I researched FWC's from beginning to end and the Histology and Histochemistry results in no way add up to C. Atrox or any other Crotalid.
While it is very true that they produce a proteolitic venom and it in itself is quite potent, how they envenomate is primitave at best. The bites of consiquence that I did find resulted from a prolonged contact interval + /- 1.5 minutes! Who would let any snake hold on for that amount of time ?
I do handle mine with the same respect I would any other venomous animal. There will always be the few who have a Hystamine reaction to these bites quite the same as from a Bee sting this is truly unfortunate however, as this is a reaction to a substance and not a rule followed by the majority.
I certainly agree that they should NOT be sold to the general public in pet stores. I would not even consider selling mine to anyone who is not experienced with venomous species. I would be willing to bet with the rise in reptile keepers, we will be hearing more about bites from the FWC and this will end in more restrictions being placed on the responsible keepers who follow the rules.
In the end the FWC is truly a beautiful snake and I find mine to be a joy to have around. A Rattlesnake is a Rattlesnake and a FWC is a FWC,and never the two shall mate.
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