VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
Out of these snakes; which would you least like to run into?   Posted: Nov 14, 2009   (217 votes, 28 comments) by vipers   black mamba   sea krait   golden lanchead   rhinkhals   rhinoceros viper   gaboon viper   king cobra     (217 votes, 28 comments)
Survey Results
black mamba 63% (137) sea krait 11% (24) golden lanchead 8% (17) rhinkhals 4% (9) rhinoceros viper 1% (2) gaboon viper 5% (11) king cobra 8% (17)
Survey Comments
Although it is my favorite species, I would hate to run into a black mamba most. Posted by Mamba84 on December 19, 2013 hmmm. sea kraits, as i hate the ocean. Posted by lifesupport on September 30, 2011 All of these snakes can be deadly, but I don't think you should use the term "run in to" more like observe! It would be fun to see a black mamba. You see I'm one of those guys who no matter what kind of reptile I find I won't shriek! I'll bet everyone on this blog could stand 20 or even 30 feet away from a black mamba, and not even start to scream! lol!! Posted by nightsnaker on December 17, 2010 least desired to run into Those darn Mamba's. Seems like they came into the world with a real attitude problem. For whatever reason, they feel the need to go find You and start trouble. I don't want noth'in to do with a snake that big that wants to kick my back side with lightning speed- They got a real chip on their scales! Posted by Reptillian on February 6, 2010 SURVEY NEED A NEW ONE Posted by pictigaster1 on January 29, 2010 Rhinkals I chose the Rhinkals, as these spit venom. - And if I ever run into one without a pair of sunnys atleast, I am in trouble. Everything else on that list, I'd be absolutely honoured to run into! Posted by ViperLover on January 29, 2010 Fast and Aggressive The Mamba is an aggressive snake that is lightning fast and capable of doubling back over it's own body. I don't ever want to see it in person!!!! Posted by SISTAWENDY1 on January 28, 2010 Wow Surprised the Gaboon Viper is on the list and Russells Viper is not....I know the Gabby can open up a can of whoop ass with a bite, but you can pretty much avoid these bites if one came upon them as long as one is not stepped on due to camo, but the Russells is just nasty, mean animal..... Posted by DarthCane on January 19, 2010 I would hate to run into any of them because in my state I can't keep them. Posted by agkistrodude on January 15, 2010 I would like the opportunity to "run into" all of them really. A good set of tongs...snake in a sack...nuff said? Posted by ViperJim on January 14, 2010 At my skill level i really wouldn't feel comfortable encountering any of these. for those of you that complain about the question, let me say ,first, that is totally your right to do so. but i come from a time when the discussion/topic of reptiles was non-existent. by all means voice you concerns about things or changes you want, make sure that you are also part of the solution. i'm aways amazed that all you folks know. i learn so much here. keep up the great work! Posted by oldsnakeman on January 12, 2010 worst our maid in panama died from a lance head bite, and what i learned from the aftermath was that, even with treatment in a more modern setting, death was the final outcome. Ron RN Posted by scrapeup on December 20, 2009 Mamba Because you probably can't outrun it :) Posted by Anypituophis on December 7, 2009 the fight Ptk, I vote for Steve Irwin! LOL! Posted by Voided37 on December 4, 2009 "This might be the most ambiguous question yet..." YEP! "I think this is the wrong place to be asking this question..just about anyone here would be overjoyed to run into any of these snakes." For sure! "probably the one that would kill me slowest and most painfully (one of the vipers perhaps???)." THAT'S WHAT I WAS THINKING, LONG FANGS! "If I run into a sea krait, that means I'm in the water and I didn't see it until it was right on me." Plus I can't SWIM! "shear psychotic incontrollable violence is lanceheads of any local." YEAH! I had fun with this, again, ambiguous question. But I picked mamba after long thought because it's rumored to be rather vindictive and kills ya' real quick, often no time to seek help. SUPPOSEDLY. Posted by Voided37 on December 4, 2009 Survey Question If "run into" was literal or meant to be within strike range and not know it......probably the one that would kill me slowest and most painfully (one of the vipers perhaps???). +++++++++ On a side note: I enjoy reading the survey question. As someone who follows the Herp-Culture from a distance it is nice to read popular trends and opinions. Survey complianers: lighten up! It's just a survey question. If "what is your favorite snake?" is getting old then take Chris's advice and submit one of your own. However, I would suggest to anyone submitting a question please review previous ones before hand, you might find your answer is already there. Perhaps the next survey question should be "what is your all time favorite survey question?" - Hands down mine would be..... Jan 13, 2001 "Who would win in a fight between National Geographic's Brady Barr and The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin?" Posted by Ptk on December 3, 2009 Lancehead In my experiences with many of the snakes on this list in captivity the snake that always stands out in terms of shear psychotic incontrollable violence is lanceheads of any local. Cleaning the cages is about a min. of calm silence while they size you up. Then it's get me out if you can. I dare you! LOL! I love them all I can't lye. Posted by varivenom on December 1, 2009 Least? I chose the King due to the fact that I would likely be the least excited about it. I would love to run into all of these snakes! Enough of these silly "which would you least like to be bitten by/ stuck in a room with/ run into" questions...... They are getting old. How about something more intelligent? Posted by WilderDude on November 29, 2009 Black Mambas just give me the heebie jeebies. The King Cobra is relatively docile. I think its the Krait that is placid by day and not by night.. or is it the other way around? I'm always wearing sunglasses so the rhinkals isn't an issue. And i don't really know that much about the other 3 to have an opinion. Posted by WyldCat on November 27, 2009 Can you "vote for a king" or is that stealing too much from Monty Python? Posted by toddg on November 25, 2009 There are a few that I suppose I would dread "not seeing" until it was too late. Saw-scaled, Russels, adult spitters to name a few. I don't mind running into anyone, as long as I see them first. :) DH Posted by AquaHerp on November 19, 2009 I guess I would like to run in to all of them but the sea krait is the bottom of my list Posted by pictigaster1 on November 19, 2009 I think this is the wrong place to be asking this question..just about anyone here would be overjoyed to run into any of these snakes. Posted by FSB on November 17, 2009 No, I did not realize that, thanks. And I didn't mean to be overly critical. It was really just an observation. Posted by LarryDFishel on November 17, 2009 If I run into a sea krait, that means I'm in the water and I didn't see it until it was right on me. I didn't post this question. However, I'm not sure if you are aware, but you CAN submit questions that will be run here. Posted by Chris_Harper on November 17, 2009 This might be the most ambiguous question yet... Posted by LarryDFishel on November 16, 2009 I move better on land, LOL Posted by Crotalusssp on November 14, 2009 again i am tired of seeing the same questions posted, as a matter of fact i would love to run in to all of them... lol Posted by puffadder7 on November 14, 2009 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!