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!
Is your snake room sealed and locked? Are you 100% confident that no one can enter your facility without permission, and that no animal can exit without permission? Please answer with total honesty.   Posted: Apr 13, 2001   (155 votes, 11 comments) by NUMBER18   Yes   No   Not sure if it's 100% escape-proof     (155 votes, 11 comments)
Survey Results
Yes 47% (73) No 34% (52) Not sure if it's 100% escape-proof 19% (30)
Survey Comments
dont be irresponsible put it this way......... if you had a collection of firearms would you keep them locked safely away or not be bothered with all that 'extra' work? if you cannot take the time to ensure the safety of your animals and the people who live near the snakes then you dont deserve to keep snakes Posted by ilove_bradybarr on April 6, 2002 locked room Have any of you that ansered no aware of the laws of your state? Yes herp laws are a pain most of the time, but not useing common sence and locking your hots are a major contributor to the "man" stepping in and telling you what you can and can't own as a herp pet. Posted by Blue on June 8, 2001 Yuppers well 98% My snakes are in an outside building that is locked. All containers are off of the floor. I reach in and flip on the light before entering and check the floors for escapies. Then check and make sure all hots are accounted for. Then check the rest. Posted by TxSnakeman on April 25, 2001 I said no. I don't even have a snake room. However, I live by myself and all my snakes are in secured neodeshas. How good is your caging (or handling) if you aren't 100% sure that they are escape-proof? Keeping unwanted visitors out is one thing, but constantly worrying about escapes is another. I would stop keeping if I thought there was even a miniscule chance of escape. Posted by Anonymous on April 25, 2001 100% safety I think its a really importent everything is safe, so everything is locked. Also a window at the entry is a importend fact so you can see if anything is escaped and when you walk in to you're snakeroom you dont come for a unpleasent suprise. Richard Mastenbroek Dutch Venom Centre http://www.chello.nl/~rdl.mastenbroek Posted by MrTaipan on April 24, 2001 Are you just lazy? For those of you who did not answer yes, WHAT THE $#@^%!@ IS WRONG WITH YOU? Posted by Anonymous on April 20, 2001 i love reptiles i have a taipan Posted by Anonymous on April 20, 2001 hot rooms i ansered 100%but it is still in the planing stage.it will be a dedicated vivarium,there will be no"hot room"due to the fact i will consider the whole building a hot zone.the front main door will be a slideing electric, freezer type door used for meat storage rooms.you will only be able to get in with a code,manual over ride in an emergency.the back door will be a steel door,dead bolted from the inside with a steel burglar bar.each of the rooms will have code locks with wire glass security windows,each and every cage,venomous or not,will be key locked. all cracks and plumbing holes will be sealed and all furniture will be off the floor so as to see under it.only authorized personel are alowed in at any time and any one else will be on a need-to-be-there basis.alarm system and fire will be monotored off site by adt.this vivarium will be far away from city limits on several acers.i am fanatic about security.james(2step)aka.preacher Posted by 2-step on April 18, 2001 DUH FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ANSWERED NO--MAKE IT HAPPEN. THE PRICE OF AN ESCAPED HOT IS JUST A TAD HIGHER THAN MOST SANE PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO PAY. I'VE HEARD A FEW STORIES OF ESCAPED HOTS IN HOUSES--MOST NOTABLY A FRIEND WHO SLEPT ON HER KITCHEN TABLE FOR 3 DAYS WHILE A CORAL SNAKE WAS LOOSE IN HER HOME. FORTUNATELY-THE BANDITO WAS CAPTURED IN A CLOSET, BUT IMAGINE IF IT HAD BEEN STEPPED ON INSTEAD...........HMMMM. DUH, PEOPLE! Posted by CASCABELLADONNA on April 18, 2001 locked room my snake is not in a locked cage or room because it is no poisonous Posted by Anonymous on April 17, 2001 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!