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VIPERS
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I WOULD SAY VIPERS. BASED ON THE FACT THAT THEY ARE LIKE 1911 .45 PISTOL ALL THE TIME, "COCKED AND LOCKED". THEY ARE TO FAST TO STRIKE AND YOU CANNOT MOVE YOUR HAND QUICK ENOUGH TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. I AM A BIG MAMBA FAN, BUT THAT IS JUST ONE SNAKE, ALL VIPERS ARE LIKE SPRING LOADED GUNS, TOO FAST TO MOVE OUT OF HARMS WAY IF YOU ARE SLOPPY WITH THEM.
Posted by
herpman777
on December 28, 2007
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Black Mamba, Green Mamba, Forest Cobra
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I would have to say the Black Mamba ranks at the top of my list, these sheer speed and size makes them a dangerous captive even with hooks or tongs. My Secong would be the Green Mamba. Handles like the Black Mamba and gets pretty big Agressive and fast. I also think Forest Cobras aren't exactly a joy to work with. (The only Problem with King Cobras is that they will chase you)
Posted by
JeremyTMoore
on January 13, 2007
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Which is most venomous
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I am asking all herpetologist out there to help me with my Biology research. I am to give the name of the species, then rank them from one to ten, 1 being the most venomous, 10 being the least. The criteria being venom power = 100%
Inland Taipan
Black Mamba
Death Adder
Marshall Is. Tiger Snake
Yellow Cobra
Coastal Taipan
Mainland Tiger Snake
Papuan Taipan
King Cobra
Eastern Brown Snake
or if not, make your own top 10 world's most venomous elapid. Just place your reply under this survey, any help is greatly appreciated.
Posted by
francis
on January 23, 2006
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Black Mamba
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i'd rather be in a close room with 1000 cobras than in a room with 1 black mamba.. it's 1 snake never dream of owning..
Posted by
francis
on January 12, 2006
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Dangerous to Keep
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Assuming a keeper is not complacent or careless (the one often leads to the other) and is not engaged in manual handling of the snakes, I think the most important issue here is the nature and quality of the cages. If shift cages are properly used, there is no reason for the keeper to be exposed to any contact with his snakes. Avoiding the possibility of exposure is the only way to substantially eliminate the threat highly venomous snakes pose.
I’m not going to go into venom toxicity or “good” versus “not-so-good” biters, because the key issue here is how difficult it is to avoid being bitten. If, as is usually the case, a keeper will have some exposure to his charges, I think the major issue is the size and disposition of the snake. In this case, “disposition” is the tendency of the snake to come to you when it feels threatened. If it is so inclined, a large specimen can usually cover ground faster than a small one.
Echis carinatus can be a “nasty” little guy, and he may bite repeatedly if you try to pick him up. But he’s not likely to crawl across his cage to get you. On the other hand, Dendroaspis (among others) may be very likely to close the gap between itself and an intruder, and its size and speed are real assets (to the snake) when it attempts to do so.
In my opinion, the bottom line is how likely is it that a “hot” hot will try to (literally) “deliver” its bite and how effectively is it likely to be in doing so?
Opinions will differ on this question, but, IMO, a six foot Bothrops lying in a corner six feet away is not as dangerous as a six foot Dendroaspis doing the same thing.
Posted by
Scott7590
on January 6, 2006
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I wholeheartedly agree...
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that large constrictors can be EQUALLY as dangerous as hots, if not more so. Sad thing is is that many retic/burm/anaconda owners don't give their charges the respect they truly deserve based on the ridiculous notion that their "pets" are tame. At best, they are docile, but so are many venomous snakes that have killed their owners. They were docile, up until their keeper slipped up. I cringe when I see the many pictures of people showboating their retics or burms around their necks (yikes) like it is a little cornsnake.
For me, I'll take hots over large constrictors any day. I have absolutely no plans to become a burm/retic owner in the future, and don't think I'll ever change my mind on that.
Posted by
psilocybe
on October 12, 2005
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retic v. elapids
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l think it would all boil down to perspective. lf we start them all snakes in equal footing and take into account factors such as temperament, killing capacity and full adult size, l truly believe that any of those elapids would be mere puppies compared to an adult retic. l mean, there's a world of difference between a 12-foot mamba who wants to be left alone/defend itself from its perceived danger to a 28-foot,untractable monster python who wants dinner, with you as the main course. At the very least, an elapid such as that still has flight as one of it's options whereas a retic that size only has those predatory instincts in it's head. Besides, one has a better chance of survival from a mamba/taipan bite than from a constricting snake that kills in an instant.
Having said all these crap, l still absolutely believe that the most dangerous snakes are the hots and giant boids being kept by inexperienced/irresponsible owners.
Posted by
hemibungarus
on September 5, 2005
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Venomous in general
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I find venomous snakes intoxicatingly intriguing, but I'm too much of a woosette to keep one. Back in April I went snake hunting with some buddies and although I helped with the capture of several canebrakes & copperheads (which is perhaps the only venomous snake I would consider along with the mangrove), I let those with experience do the pinning & hooking.
Posted by
Rosemilk
on July 24, 2005
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re mamba vs taipan
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Having handled mambas , and i currently keep blacks and a new guinea taipan, easily the taipan is far more difficult than the mamba, although both snakes really respond to slow and careful tailing, i have found that the mambas are much more tolerating than the taipan, having said that both are keen not to turhn and fight, but to hide and get away, most are much more majestic than given credit for,
Posted by
anaconda
on July 17, 2005
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concerning Mamba,s
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The only two specie on the list that are worht discussing are the Black Mamba and Taipan. Living in africa i have seen many mamba. Most stories about them are largely untrue. They would like any other snake try to get away without biting.when cornered they are a different snake all together.As for the taipan...well having read books on Australian snakes I would rank them as second to the Mamba. They are more venomous but i dont think they match the mamba in speed. And living in nature in Africa one knows that speed means everything. Final word. If you are not experianced enough in snake handling stay away from a mamba(black) IT WILL KILL YOU
Posted by
ubi
on July 17, 2005
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Tracer
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Tracer,
In the wild you might be right, but the question is about keeping captive snakes. Hopefully noone at your reptile park is stepping on captive vipers. The problems come when you try to stop that fleeing mamba, which you have to do in captivity. If you're talking about large, walk-in enclosures, that might be a different story, but most people don't have that option.
Posted by
LarryDFishel
on July 14, 2005
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i think they should all be marked as dangerous with a big "D"
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Posted by
snk17
on July 13, 2005
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other
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Ireally do agree the mambas and Taipans are up there pretty close, but i feel more problems would come out of the Crotalus family, just because everyone who house the ones like the mambas and taipan are extreamly careful when handling, and it seems people whom house the rattlers are more laid back just from what I've seen. Yet the mambas would be a lot worse when it came down to each individual case here and their, but the cases with rattlers are probly lot more common, but that just my view on things.
chris
Posted by
hardcoremarinecorps_1
on July 10, 2005
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Mambas
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I don't really think mamba should be on the list. I work at a reptile park and from experience I can say mambas would rather flee the try and bite other than the viper family they are lazy snakes and usually lie still and is more dangerous because of that. People not looking where they step hurt the snake and get bitten. I was lucky so far, I have only two bites behind me one is a mamba and one is a forest cobra and I will take a bite from them again than from a viper.
Posted by
Tracer
on July 7, 2005
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man all these deadly snakes sure put my little tantillas to shame!
Sorry
Clint
Posted by
tantillaman
on July 6, 2005
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Todd
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I think it's two things.
1) Of the only 3 genera on this list that I think have any business there, mambas are by far the most commonly kept, so more people have experience with them.
2) Yes they CAN BE that bad! (Many individuals are not.)
My experience is somewhat limited as far as number worked with, but by far the two scarriest snakes I've ever dealt with were both wild caught black mambas (7-8 feet). I quickly gave up on trying to put them into holding containers and settled into using 3 cages for the two snakes. Clean the empty cage, put a hide box in it, open the next cage, point a snake at the hide box in the clean cage and wait. Repeat.
The third scarriest was a PNG taipan. He was even more spastic, but smaller, so it was easier to keep out of range. An 8 foot taipan that acted the same way would certainly have been #1.
Posted by
LarryDFishel
on June 25, 2005
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common denominator
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Having never kept vonomous (leagility issues in California), and instead, keeping only the large (well... moderately large) pythons, I am unable to speak from experience on the most dangerous venomous snake. However, I can't help but notice that mambas seem to be on everybodies list. I have to wonder if this is based on reptutation (after all, they do have coolist sounding name) or, are they really the greased lighting, psycotic devils so many of you make them out to be? I can however, offer an opinion on large constrictors and I feel much more comfortable with retics than African rock pythons. In my experience, rock pythons are every bit as smart and strong as retics with a far worst tempermant.
Posted by
toddg
on June 25, 2005
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Pseudohaje sp.
Pseudonaja textilis
Dendroaspis polylepis
Oxyuranus sp.
Naja melanoleuca
Although individual temperments vary, these are my votes. All are long, agile, strong, fast and toxic. One day an individual may seem nervous and shy and the next time you open up the cage.....WATCH OUT!
Posted by
Crotalus75
on June 21, 2005
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Chris...
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I can honestly say that if somebody forced me to pin down (figuratively) my least favorite snake on that list, it would be Chris's favorite, N. melanoleuca (sorry, Chris...they are just evil). I wouldn't even consider putting any of the buzztails near the top of that list...they just don't stack up to the speed and toxicity of the others. It is true that my leps and vegrandis have freaky speed when they want, and my atrox can be intimidating to say the least, I would pick just about any buzztail (save basiliscus and larger durissus) over most of the others. Having never worked with Oxyuranus, and having only seen a handful, I had to go with the next in line for my vote, the Dendros. Bitis can be ridiculously unpredictable, and my rhino strikes faster than greased lightening, but I would still rather work with Bitis over Bothrops or Dendros. Enough babbling...my vote breaks down like this: Dendros, Bothrops, Naja, Bitis, Buzztails (can't put oxyuranus in there if I don't know anything about them). I am able to appreciate, however, the comments of larger constrictors. Sorry, I just don't think retics should be as available to the public as they are. Maybe there should be a 5 day waiting period, and background check? :)
JTP
Oh yeah, how come nobody mentioned Lachesis? Whether it is you, or that 25 foot heat seeking monster (ok, more like 8-10 feet, but they sure can make you think they are bigger!) that is backed into a corner, that can be a scary snake...I would have to say even with their comparatively calm demeanor, they rank up their with Bothrops.
Posted by
DocJosh
on June 20, 2005
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PNG Taipan
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I've worked with fresh wild of all those listed.
I've not worked fresh wild Inlands or Coastals, but I've had my fair share of fresh caught wild PNG Taipans and I would have to agree with David Williams on this one. Though fresh Black Mambas and large Bothrops would be a microscopic second.
Posted by
stopgetinpopped
on June 19, 2005
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Taipans, BUT...
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Based on serum availability in the United States, I feel that Oxyuranus are the most dangerous to keep.
Based on speed, size, lethal potential and overall demeanor, I would say Dendroaspis sp., and Naja melanoleuca.
Sean P.
(probably can't respond to comments)
Posted by
SPalmer
on June 17, 2005
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I've certainly never worked with these (and I would guess only a handful of lucky people have), but from what I've heard...tree cobras put mambas to shame in terms of agility and sheer handling difficulty. Add a potent neurotoxin, and no antivenom, and you've got a VERY dangerous animal.
Posted by
psilocybe
on June 17, 2005
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large constrictors
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of course than large constrictors are a BIG problem. cause you may have another person to help you etc..
but in case of venomous, i still respect the bothrops genus... like some mambas, you just need to open the terrarium "roof" and they are already prepared to bite
Posted by
dnl
on June 17, 2005
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large constrictors
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Personally, I would rather handle anything than large, aggressive constrictors. Dead is dead.
Posted by
Chiricahuascutes
on June 14, 2005
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The Most Dangerous?
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Meaning more likely to be bitten by, or to be killed by? From my weekly experience's handling Mambas and once with a Papuan Taipan the difficulty was not as bad as dealing with the Forest Cobras that I care for. Although, form my experience and knowlegde of treating bites I'd much rather take a bite from the Forest followed by the Mambas then the Taipan. Contrary to that is a any of the 3 King Cobras that I work with (all greater than 13 Ft.) that are relatively easy to work with, if one was to give a severe envenomation the 50+ vials of Anti-Venom on my shelf may not be enough to save me.
Posted by
Anti-VenomMan
on June 13, 2005
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snakes
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i have to say that they are all very dangerous Mambas personily because they are freaken fast and scary. but although i am only 13 i have held and screamed at a boa consticter one of my friends were almost killed because of one because it wrapped around him but there was on person with him thank goodness
Posted by
snakefabulous
on June 11, 2005
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Captive vs. Wild-caught taipans
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G'day all,
Having handled all this lot at one time or another, I would have to say that it comes down to a choice between two vastly different types of risk:
1. The risk that comes from complacency; i.e.: that sneaky fat Bothrops that sits back and waits for you to f@*k up and then hammers you in a heartbeat; or,
2. The risk that comes from biting off more than you can chew; i.e.: having 8' of mamba or taipan come charging up the hook at you right while you're on the far side of a 12' x 12' snake room littered with obstacles - and the door suddenly seems 12 miles away!
Really though none of these snakes are a hazard if kept in an appropriate manner and handled with caution, planning and common sense. Leave any of that out of the equation and well ... all err ... bets are off.
Having caught all three Oxyuranus spp in the wild and also having kept all three in captivity, I have to say that captive snakes are not a pinch of s*@t on wild animals; especially wild Papuan or Aussie coastal taipans; if WW happens by I am sure he will vouch for that as well. Having a 9' black mamba fly out of the cage straight at your face is a walk in the park compared to having 6' Papuan taipan by the tail in a room that suddenly got real small with a snake that suddenly decides enough is enough.
Cheers
David Williams
Posted by
oxyuranus
on June 10, 2005
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No Mambas here
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I believe mambas would be the worst to have in captivity. I have NEVER kept them, nor do I ever plan to. From what I hear they are very flighty and they make me nervous. Cobras make me feel the same way. I am by no means comfortable keeping any of the 2. So, I just stick with my vipers. Bryan
Posted by
emtnurse
on June 9, 2005
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Not all Mambas,...
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Western Greens(D.viridis) and Blacks (D. polylepis) in particular. Both are enthusiastic multiple biters that are impossible to control with hooks if they become agitated. When they are successfully handled with hooks it's only because of the calm and careful handling of the keeper. I always advise against keeping these.
This is NOT a statement about venom toxicity! Yes, the toxicity is high, but behavior is what makes the situation dangerous. Usually, it's the keepers behavior; with these the snake plays a more active roll.
Posted by
scottquint
on June 8, 2005
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Dangerous
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I personally find the mambas very difficult to handle even with hooks, I also have a western king brown which is absolutely nuts, Its so fast and hyper yet it does not attempt to strike as much as the mambas.
Posted by
Venom-tec
on June 5, 2005
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TAIPANS
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CHRIS i have worked with both inland and coastal taipans they are not to be mis taken for other brown psuedonjas they strike with excesive speed and have been known to strike more than once in a bite victim as to date there have been no fatalities antivenom c s l monovalent
Posted by
boomslang1
on June 4, 2005
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inland taipan
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with out dought the most venomous on ld 50 scale 50% followed by eastern brown
Posted by
boomslang1
on June 4, 2005
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retics
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I have lots of different venomous species. I use the proper tools and respect when handling them. The problem I have is I always become to relaxed with my retics. That so far is the only thing that has left scars, and I hope that's how it stays.
Posted by
venombill
on June 3, 2005
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The worst critters in my experience were King Browns -- they were like mambas on crack!
Posted by
thirdangel
on June 3, 2005
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Taipans
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I admit that both my mambas and bothrops are to be held high on this list, but I really watch my taipan with even more caution, if that helps to intensify caution. They are really fast, on target, and just seem to change direction with little indication. They seem to show the same lightning speed of bothrops, but with the determination of a mamba. Has any one else experienced this behaviour in taipans? Bret
Posted by
Irishviper
on June 3, 2005
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correction
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Im sorry. WHen talking about the King Cobra, I said that it was the largest in the world. I meant to say that it is the longest in the world.
Posted by
bush_viper17
on June 3, 2005
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other
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I think this will fall under the other section. I think that a full grown king cobra(Ophiophagus hannah) would be the most dangerous snake.Large size(largest in the world) venom yield(enough to kill a small elephant...so ive heard) potency,strength,basically everything about it. Its large size would also be dangerous to keep in captivity unless you have a very good facility. All of the rattlesnakes I have kept in captivity were well mannered for the most part. Gaboons(Bitis gabonica) seem to be shy, but I would be a little more nervous with a puff adder(Bitis arietans) I have never kept mambas but have seen them in captivity. The people that I talked to that kept them actually said that they arent as bad as you would think(although they warned me that they should never ever be considered to be kept unless you are fully aware of what you are getting into and have had many years of safe keeping under your belt.) The closest I have seen someone come to getting bitten while just doing everyday chores was by a forest cobra. He just opened up the cage and the snake advanced towards him and just barely missed him. He slammed the door shut and waited until later to finish. If I was at a show and I had a chance to choose between all of the snakes on the list, the one that I would be most nervous to get would be a large King Cobra(I think that would fall in the "other" section) but for the rest, I would have to go with mambas for reasons already listed by other members. But dont take my word, I have hardly any experience with most of these snakes.
Posted by
bush_viper17
on June 3, 2005
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I agree....
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..not too mention, For some reason(and correct me if I'm wrong) but their musculature seems to be that they tense up, and are a nightmare to get any venom into a vial. I've only milked a limited number, but man, were they a hassle (AND the large aspers, could easily pull free with a simple jerk of their necks!!)
Matt
Posted by
MattHarris
on June 2, 2005
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Matt
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From the point of view of just normal handling Bothrops are like any other venomous snake in that they only bite when handled or harassed. The same can be said for almost any of the listed species. As far as handling for extraction large Bothrops are the most difficult to handle due to strengh , striking length and fang size.
Jim Harrison
Posted by
JHarrison
on June 2, 2005
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Jim, is this coming from an extraction perspective??
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In terms of general handling, husbandry I'd rather deal with a LARGE Bothrops than a small one(they tend to be the ones that want to bite) and would still rather deal with a Bothrops than ANY black mamba. The only snake I ever had make my knees sweat was an 8' polylepis. NEVER would I keep one at home. The Bothrops can be flighty, but tend to be just that. The juveniles typically bite more often, but again, its usually when trying to pin them, so I wonder if this is where you were coming from?
Posted by
MattHarris
on June 1, 2005
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Seems to be the rage "LOL" (Bothrops)
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Daniel & Jim, I tend to agree, From my work at the Zoo. I see (Bothrops atrox) as one of the most unpredictable Species on this planet and as we all know, it is also highly toxic. I have only worked with one in my life, but the 4 years I spent working with this Species truly made a lasting empresion. This is just from my own expeariance.........Be safe ya'll, happy herping Wally
Posted by
ALA_herp31
on June 1, 2005
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Bothrops
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I also agree with Jim, they are very dangerous. And if it's not enough, they are very fast.. even small bothrops.
Posted by
dnl
on June 1, 2005
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Bothrops
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Large Bothrops are strong and fast. All the others are dangerous but having worked with and extracted from them, I believe that Bothrops are some of the most dangerous snakes on earth. But only if you are messing with them.
Jim Harrison
Posted by
JHarrison
on June 1, 2005
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Danger, danger, danger
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It's got to be the mamba's. Large, bad tempered, quick and even smart to a certain degree. I only ever worked with a young one about 4ft and it was enough to put me off for life. Buetifull snake, i will watch them on tv.
Posted by
Hyperviper
on June 1, 2005
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MAMBAS
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From a local view(RSA) the black mamba is the most dangerous one to work with,their natural abilities and speed makes them difficult to handle........MR G
Posted by
MRG
on May 31, 2005
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mambas
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I have "played" with all but the lanceheads and hands down the mambas are the spookiest. I have had the "pleasure" of working with a black. A big piece of liquid lightening. Too fast, too sketchy, and just too difficult. I would not keep any. Taipans rank really close too, but, not anything near as fast as mambas. I would happily keep any of the other species (I currently keep 4 of the species listed) and am very happy with the challenge they provide.
David Furphy
AKN Venom & Exotics
New Mexico
Posted by
Amabilis
on May 30, 2005
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Not even close......Mambas, well maybe the tiapans would be there with them.
Posted by
walterD
on May 29, 2005
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mambas...
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I have kept everything on that list except for Oxyuranus. I am partial to Naja and Ophiophagus. I can not speak for Oxyuranus really, as I have never seen one in person. From what Ive heard about them, they get large, highly aggressive, and very fast. However, the description I recieved just didn't par up to the feeling of working with a poly. I have never kept D. polylepis, but I have had the luxury, if you will, to work with 3 different specimens. I don't even know that I would keep them. I have kept D. angusticeps, viridis, and one jamesonii. All 4 species to me, have been worse than everything on that list, excluding Oxyuranus.
Chris
Posted by
CFoley
on May 28, 2005
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