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!
Thanks for voting! Your vote has been included in the results below. Who is your favorite television herpetologist ?   Posted: Sep 22, 2000   (897 votes, 62 comments) by Charper
Survey Results
Brady Barr, National Geographic 22% (193) Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter 48% (433) Mark O'Shea, "Big Adventures" 21% (189) Jules Sylvester ( has done some specials ) 1% (13) Other 8% (69)
Survey Comments
TheCottonmouthKid Along with Croc Hunter and the Jeff Corwin Experience, I enjoy the Autstin Stevens Adventure on Animal planet. IMHO Stevens show is more theatrical than Croc Hunter, and often appears very staged. Still Stevens would have been my 2nd place vote. I would have liked to have seen Austin Stevens on this list. 3rd to Corwin, 4th to Oshea. Brady Barr of Nat. Geo is scholarly, but dull. Who's Jules Sylvester? I may have seen him if he's been on Animal Planet. I recall a Professor who had a special where he gathered venom, then did research at his university. He appeared in his field garb and also in his University suit. That was a real contrast. A very good show if that was him. I was raised in snake country in Missouri, and was terrified by snakes as a kid. Perhaps that is why I find them so fascinating to watch from a distance on TV. Posted by TheCottonmouthKid on March 18, 2005 Steve Irwin I liked all of them, Steve Irwin, Dr. Brady Barr, Mark O'Shea, Jeff Corwin,and etc. because I their love and passion to those misunderstood reptiles and animals especially snakes. But, I love Irwin the most even if it's obvious his show are "scripted", you know what I mean. I love his show because he's the one that gave me a lot knowledge about snakes and other animals. I can now distinguish a snake if it is venomous or not and I am starting to love snakes.I still watch his shows to learn more things about this animal's behaviour. For me Steve Rulez !!!! CRIKEY !!!! ^_^ Posted by Viper_Mania on January 18, 2005 Go fry i think bryan fry is the best. oshea is a close second and then corwin and brady. for those irwin fans, that (insert swear of choice) has helped among others prevent greentreepythons being more commonly available. his zoo is a joke and dispises hobbyest herpers. also the show is so fake, other shows do use captive animals occasionally, but its just so obvious, the cameras already at the snake when he has to run to catch it Posted by aussieherper on October 2, 2004 Brady's fan 1# If you like Brady - email me! crocodile_wild@hotmail.com Posted by SnakeEyes on May 14, 2002 um......... hello? People, the survey includes Brady Barr too!(My favourite herpetologist.) Don't tell me nobody has an opinion on him? Come on people, you have a voice, I want to hear what you have to say about ALL herpetologists mentioned (not just Steve 'Faker' Irwin!) Posted by SnakeEyes01 on May 12, 2002 Dr. Brady Barr - The Best Herpetologist In order to be unbiased and fair in this test, I watched several episode of Mark O'Shea', Steve Irwin's and Jeff Corwin's shows, myself being familiar with Dr. Brady Barr's work. I was disgusted with what I saw. I have no particular problems with Jeff Corwin's or Mark O'Shea's shows, although both of them lack that certain something which makes the show both informative and entertaining. But Steve Irwin is a whole different story. In one of the specials I watched, he was bitten three times in the first ten minutes of the program. First by a snake, (non venomous) next, an alligator, as Steve was swimming in alligator infested waters, and finally another snake. I am aware that many people watch his shows, and I am sure they make for exciting viewing, yet i feel Steve is giving herpetologists a bad name. He received several more bites before the end of the show. His carelessness, I feel, is partly responsible for the number of snakebites that amatuers receive each year. People watch his show, see him recklessly handle these animals, and decide to try for themselves. The result is pain, medical bills, and in extreme cases, death. Steve Irwin should learn not to take stupid chances and he should take the time to get a degree in herpetology. Until he does, he is just an arrogant man who brutally manhandles animals. Not to mention half of the time, the action is fake (ie. Notice how the camera finds the snake before Steve does?) Steve Irwin has had many operations on various body parts, due to carelessness with dangerous animals, resulting in permanant damage. Dr. Brady Barr (notice he took the time to get a PhD?) remains my favourite herpetologist, based on the facts that his shows are informitive, interesting and exciting without Brady taking hazardous risks. One person - 'newggtongs' who replied to this question said that Brady always takes a local guide with him. If that person had any idea what goes on in Brady's programs, he might (if he has any intellegance) note that on most occasions, Brady is in a foreign country where he does not necessarily speak the language, and is not familiar with the area. Please bear in mind that the guide is a GUIDE. Brady Barr is dedicated not only for conservation of all animals, but for educating the public to teach people that these animals are not to be feared and should be protected. He is a respected member of the herpetology commmunity. Having added my two cents, I have learned more of what I know from Brady, although I have learned lots from Steve Irwin's many mistakes. If you have another opinion, I would love to hear it. Contact me at crocodile_wild@hotmail.com Posted by SnakeEyes01 on May 7, 2002 Butler, Steve, Jeff, Mark...in that order. Harry Butler was doing excellent Herp/environmental education long before the others so he gets my vote for #1. Steve Irwin comes in at #2 because although it does see a bit obvious that some of his shots are "taylored" for maximum impact, it is also obvious that he and his crew loves all animals and protecting them is his passion. If it makes him money and he has found a way to capitalize on that populatity--then so be it. He can and does put that money to good use in helping wildlife and educating the public through his several different TV shows, toys, clothing and now a movie. Today's society(s) are very receptive to colorful advertizing/marketing and if playing on that trend helps to spread the word of wildlife/habitat conservation while generating funds to further support research, education and conservation--then I say more power to the Croc hunter! Great job Steve & Terri! Jeff is also doing a great job. When I first saw his show I thought he was a goofy idiot. But after watching a few more shows I came to see that he is really knows his stuff, he is an exceptional naturalist with his own "way" and he dosen't care what anyone thinks about him--he is one to watch. Mark started out a bit rocky and rough with the animals--but he has goten much beter over the years. He is very knowledgable and interesting to watch and in a way he reminds me of Harry Butler. All in all these guys are all excellent herp/wildlife educators/conservationists/naturalists and I especially like the way they don't give a crap about what all the "stuffed shirts" of the world say about them being non-profesional and crazy. If the people watching learn even one thing about conservation and/or their interest is in some way piqued--these guys have done their job. Posted by CrotalusRex on April 22, 2002 Jeff Corwin Jeff Corwin is more authentic than Irwin and not as ruthless to the animals as O'Shea. Posted by IGULFAST on April 22, 2002 BRADY BARR IS THE BEST!!!!!! BRADY BARR is the best herpetologist on TV and he always will be!! he not only has extensive knowledge of all the animals he deals with, he CARES about them too. Remember the episode of CROCODILE CHRONICLES 'sacrifice on the shire' he was all upset about the crocodile who got attacked by the hippo! his show is always fun to watch even if you have seen the episode before because of the way he presents it and the way he is so passionate about what he does. he loves what he does, and he does his job well. steve irwin and the others are not NEARLY as good to watch, its so fake, u can tell half the snakes are venomoids! and notice how the camera always finds the snakes before steve does? all he does is stand on the poor snakes!! I LOVE BRADY!!! HE IS THE BEST HERPETOLOGIST BY FAR AND HES PRETTY CUTE TOO!! Posted by ilove_bradybarr on April 5, 2002 Irwin and O`shea I prefer watching both steve Irwin and Mark O`shea myself based on the fact that i have gained more knowledge and confidence with aggressive and non-aggressive snakes and they are both very knowledgeable with herps. Posted by crotalus0chris on March 24, 2002 Can't Believe It How can anyone respect Irwin? He's taken a great knowledge and love of animals and sold out. This movie he has coming out is ridiculous. There's a reason that National Geographic won't hire him - he's not respected. Stick with Brady, like Steve, he's been doing this all his life, but unlike Steve, he has the respect of his peers. Posted by tvres on March 1, 2002 I like cobras... If you don't like cobras your wierd! Posted by Monkeyman on January 15, 2002 survey Steve Irwin stages all of the animal encounters on his show. If you Pay close attention to Brady Barr you will notice in every segment he does he has a local "expert" or scientist with him, and in each one you can hear him say "What is that?" He only knows what the local guy tells him. Irwin only knows because he has time to research, place and pretend to find the animal. Watch and note that the camera man got to the animal first. O'Shea is a world recognized researcher and what he finds on his show is real. but he needs to make his show more entertaining for non-herpers. Posted by newggtongs on October 20, 2001 irwin rules steve irwin rocks everytime tony Posted by Anonymous on August 22, 2001 Both What can be said about Irwin and O Shea. Well weather you love them or hate them is not the point. The point is that they bring a message to our homes about conservation. It's not a matter if you like there style. What matters is that each person who watches may have a better understanding of how desperate it is to save animal habitat. The animals are the most important thing. No matter who you like to watch, good or bad they are bringing a message to each of us. SAVE THE ANIMALS. When they are gone we are gone. Each of us can make it work. Blue Auratus Lady Posted by Anonymous on July 25, 2001 Both What can be said about Irwin and O Shea. Well weather you love them or hate them is not the point. The point is that they bring a message to our homes about conservation. It's not a matter if you like there style. What matters is that each person who watches may have a better understanding of how desperate it is to save animal habitat. The animals are the most important thing. No matter who you like to watch, good or bad they are bring a message to each of us. SAVE THE ANIMALS. When they are gone we are gone. Each of us can make it work. Posted by Anonymous on July 25, 2001 Jeff Corwin is the best! Now, don't get me wrong because I like Steve and Terri Irwin but they are not as entertaining as Jeff. Steve can be a little bit too hyper but I like his dog Sui (I hope I spelled that right). Jeff Corwin is incredibly intelligent and has a dorky, but fun sense of humor. And yes, he's cute! But even if he wasn't that cute, he's still funny and I love his love for animals. I wish I could be close with beautiful wild animals like he is but I wouldn't touch any snakes (which are Jeff's favorites). They scare me. I think that if Steve Irwin spent more time with different animals more and left the crocodiles alone for a while, he would be better. But if Mr. Irwin happens to see this (which more than likely won't happen), I want him to know that I like him too and I respect his work. And, his wife and baby girl are so cute! But again, I absolutely love Jeff Corwin! Posted by Anonymous on July 19, 2001 O'shea RULES! the comment titled "mark rules;manny rules" was the bomb! it was totally COOL! We love Mark and Manny! they are totally hot. we read every comment on this page that included Mark O'shea. most of them talked about how rough Mark was with the animals.However Steve Irwein is is rough with the animals but the difference is they are already in zoos so he should not have to be so rough.Don't get us wrong Steve is ok, but mark is definitely the best herper in all the land (lol) he is also totally cool and looks really good to!not to mention,he is intelligent,and really loves the animals,if you don't believe watch the "guam" episode,also he works with other experts (so unlike Steve)he does not take all the glory for himself,also Manny does not MOLEST THE ANIMALS (duh!) Jeff Corwin is cute but his humor is pathetic and all he dose is make fun of "Star War" PEACE YA"LL beep beep we are the sheep Posted by Anonymous on July 13, 2001 mark rules; manny rules you people make me sick!!!!!!!!!! mark o'shea is the most gifted herpatologist i have ever seen!!!!!!!! it's all well and good for you people to sit at your safe little computers and bash him for the way he handles the snakes but i guarantee that if you were out in the field with venomous reptiles you would not have the guts to do what he does. you would just turn and run. so all you people just get back to me after you have made a name for yourselves in the herp world through hard work, determination, and an intense love of reptiles the way mark has.also manny does NOT molest animals and jeff corwin just needs to go back to whatever rock he crawled out from under. steve irwin's okay. Posted by Anonymous on July 12, 2001 Butler the Best Harry Butler is hands down the best. He is the original croc hunter--a pioneer in television naturalist programing. He was educating the viewing public long before the other lads and did it better than all of the big budget U.S. wildlife/conservation shows of the day. Irwin particularly, and some of the other boys are a danger to the public in their zeal to show how macho they are when it comes to snake handling. I wonder how many people have been injured trying to do something that they saw Stevo do on TV--and much worse how many reptiles have been destroyed in the name of doing it like Stevo. Posted by Anonymous on June 22, 2001 Steve Rocks I voted for Steve Irwin because he has the coolest show on television.O'shae is ok but he is to rough with the animals.He once stepped on a snakes head.Steve cares about his zoo and reptiles.Steve rules. Seifer Almasy Posted by Anonymous on June 19, 2001 Jules Sylvester is very entertaining. His shows are very informative and realistic. His shows do not seem to be as staged as Steve Irwin and the others. Jules Sylvester is just believeable. Other favorites are Nigel Marven and Jeff Corwin Posted by Anonymous on June 5, 2001 O'Shea Rules O'Shea's show is more informative and real than Steve Irwins. Many of Steve Irwins episodes seem staged and not to mention many kids watching his show may feel that crawling in the dens of rattlesnakes is perfectly acceptable. Since I have started watching O'Shea I have come to love, respect and learn more about reptiles than ever before. Animal Planet needs more of O'Shea (and if they want they can add more of Irwin as well). Posted by Anonymous on May 7, 2001 Joe Wasilewski Joe should be the one to be the best herpotologist of all time i have known him for 13 years. He gave me my first snake at the age of 7. I have seen him first hand handle reptiles of all sorts. He is actually making a difference with the American Crocs and gators. Posted by Anonymous on March 7, 2001 Steve Rocks Steve Irwin is hands down the best herpetologist the world has ever seen. Evey show he does he brings excitement, addrinaline rushes, things that dont seem posible like handle some of the most fiersom reptiles on the planet, and knowlage and facts about the animals. He also takes great care of the animals that he handels and encounters. I like the way he uses no epuipment and is not rough with the animals like pinning them behind the head or shoving them down a tube. Not saying that I disagree with other herpetologists ways I simply like steves way better. I have almost every episode on tape and every time I am amazed how good he is. I'm only 14 but I definitly learn what to do and what not to do with an animal. Steve is the best. -Your Bueaty-Andrew14 Posted by lancehead on February 23, 2001 Jeff Corwin Rocks! Ok Jeff Corwin is way better than O'shea and that Steve Irwin guy. He doesn't go around chasing crocodiles and he doesn't wrestle with them either. His show has a lot of information and he add's a sense of humor to it and not to mention he's kinda cute! Posted by Anonymous on February 16, 2001 Mark O'Shea Mark O'Shea is a scientist & the tests are essential in learning more about the species in an effort to protect the animal & it's habitat.In addition to helping the animal,his studies enable people all over the world to survive snake bites with antivenin.If you watched his show you may learn something.Mark O'Shea is a rugged MAN,not a boy that probably calls for "make-up" before a shot. Steve Irwin reminds me of the phony wrestlers on tv.I guess if there are people that can fall for them,they can fall for the croc of ----.Steve has a passion alright,for the camera & himself.Hey,he even has his woman tagging along (just like the wrestlers).If Steve had a passion for the animals,he wouldn't keep them in his little zoo( making him tons of $$$).Mark seems down to earth,and his shows aren't staged(it's obvious Steve's are).I admire Mark for his work,he is incomparable. Posted by Anonymous on February 16, 2001 Mark O'Shea I wonder how many ribbs Mark has broak with those tongs he has such a tight grip on. Posted by DaleSchoentrup on February 15, 2001 steve steve actaully careas about his animals. mark is not in it for the love i think just for the publicity. Posted by Anonymous on January 23, 2001 HOLLYWOOD It is more than obvious that Steve has his animals placed there in front of the camera and then he comes along and somehow happens upon them in front of the camera. Most of the snakes Steve finds are captive animals and Mark has to rip through the forest looking for them. They both do odd things to make a show for the general public but since we know better, we have a tighter opinion. In any case, we should not be held to judge any of these individuals but simply to appreciate that we have something to watch on TV that is of interest. Posted by Anonymous on January 21, 2001 Steve vs Mark Jeez, do ya need to ask ? Irwin is by far the best. I will stop whatever I am doing to watch Steve. Mark is just boring and puts me to sleep. I believe Steve really cares about the animals and Mark just wants to be a T.V. star or something. Croc Hunter-the original and still the best !!!!! Posted by Anonymous on January 13, 2001 Crocs Rule, and so does Steve Irwin! I voted for Steve Irwin because it is clear that no one cares more about reptiles than Steve Irwin. Mark O'Shea seems to care more about finding never before seen reptiles. Yesterday they aired the "Tree Crocodile" episode and there were several incidents that bothered me. First, he saw a reptile hiding under a log, and it had markings that resembled crocodile markings. He then puts his arm under the log and struggles with the reptile for minutes until he finally forces the reptile out with brute force. He then washes the mud out with water, and when he found out that it wasn't the tree crocodile, he just put it down and continued his search. It's like he doesn't care about them. Steve Irwin wouldn't have treated it roughly and he would tell us a about what particular species it is, and he will undoubtfully call it the most beautiful reptile in the world;) In another incident in the same episode, he saw a 14 foot python in the river, and it had rare markings. He then jumped into the river and with brute force threw the snaked into the boat. While getting back into the boat, he almost squashed the snake with half his body weight. In an earlier episode, he was handling rattlesnakes with a *gulp* snake tong. It disgusted me the way he handled them, it was too rough. There's only one more thing to say, crocs rule! By Alex Alban From Springfield, Massachusetts Posted by Anonymous on January 8, 2001 mark o'shea rules i want to be a pro herp and so i study snakes along with all reptiles,i watch snake doc's on optus vision and through all my experiences i would like to say mark o'sheas doc's rule!Because he has a more scientific style which i like and also when his film crew film him it's all real and dangerous,unlike steve.i just love mark o'shea and i would like to thank all the talented herp's out there,keep on studing because there unique and gracefull animals! Posted by Anonymous on January 7, 2001 Most venomous The feirce snake! Without a doubt. Joe Roden, Mo Posted by Anonymous on December 24, 2000 The Jeff Corwin Experience A new show that I really like is "The Jeff Corwin Experience". It seems that he really knows and respects snakes and he's incredibly entertaining. Posted by Anonymous on December 22, 2000 O'Shea and Irwin O'Shea is an excellent teacher and herpatologist. Its impossible to think that this expert would harm subjects that are his lifes work. As far as Irwin, I think he is more of a showman that is going for the big bucks to support his place in Austrailia. I have no respect for him since he let it be shown on his show, a shark attacking a young boy. I was horrified when I watched this last evening. I cannot believe that this was shown on national telly with young children watching. I can't imagine how tramatized children would be watching this. It certainly bothered me and it was a sickening thing to show. Mark O'Shea is more of an educator, scientist, and I don't see him as cocky but I see him as an experienced herpatologist who knows what he is talking about. Posted by Anonymous on December 18, 2000 My vote The first time I saw Steve Irwin on television, he was tailing the ten most venomous snakes in the world. My first reaction was anger, because free-handing a snake, even with 100 years of experience, in the middle of the bush somewhere is just plain stupid. It makes me wonder how many hikers, campers, and children have been tagged because they grabbed a snake by the tail. Having said that, I have watched everything he's done since. It's extremely entertaining, although I find his wife to be just plain boring. Mark O'Shea doesn't deserve some of the bad press he's gotten in the past. People talk about him flinging snakes on rocks, and stepping on their heads and the like. What happens to them when we are not there? Probably lots worse. I've seen pythons and boas fall out of trees from greater distances than O'Shea tossed that snake. P.S. I still voted for Irwin. I hope he doesn't get himself killed now that he has a family to look after. Posted by Anonymous on December 18, 2000 Steve is the Bombs!!!!!! Steve Irwin is the bombs. I have watched every single show of his and have recorded every single episode. I am an Irwin fanatic. He has a great sense of humor and gives a lot of information on all the reptiles he capures. He really cares and admires the animals and his main goal is to educate the public not to become famous like O'shea. He may take risk but it is all for the well being of the reptiles as anestesia can kill reptiles and pinning any species of snake can be very deadly for both the snake and the person. It also cause a lot of stress on the animal. The main reason why I admire Iwrin is because he has never been bitten my a venomous snake. Its amazing because all he uses is a branch and the tailing method. On the other hand you have other pros such as O' shea who use hooks and all this high tec equipment yet he almost died of a rattle snake bite. O'shea is much to ruff with the animals and his attitude is horrible!! I would never go on a herping trip with him even if my life depended on it. He thinks he is better than everyone. Someone said that steve Irwin is to risky and that he got bitten once and had to look in a book. You are right but how about when stupid O'shea got bitten by a stileto snake as he tried to pin it at night and got pinned. Notice the way he treats his camera crue and the other herpitologist with him. His attitude makes me sick. The reason Irwin does not get bitten is because he knows the behavior of the aniamls he deals with to perfection and knows their every move. As for him giving bad ideas to inexperianced herpers I dont think so. Notice how he tells you all the time that hanlding venomous reptiles is for pros only and not to try it. Most of you critics out there I think are basing your responses on just one show you have seen. Watch them all. Both Irwin and O'shea and you will surely see the difference and who cares more about the animals. Steve wants to education people about reptiles without hurtng animals while O'shea worries about how famous he will become if he finds a new species and does not care about the well fare of the animals he captures. There was a time when O'shea was catching a rattle snake(the species that almost killed him). He used a snake tong to grab it(I hate tongs). He then struggles with the snake. The snake was twisting its neck and venom was oozing out. Then after almost stangeling the poor snake he says it was gravid. I tell you what if it was you can be sure its not anymore.I have watched every single show out there on animals. I spend my life watching animal planet and the discovery channel and I base my response on watching all the shows not just one or a few. Sincerely, Tony Baez Posted by DeadlyElapid on December 11, 2000 Mark O' Stool..... yeah hes full of it i find his ego completely unacceptable frankly i think he is an insult to us herpers these days Steve would definately be the top one on my list he reminds me of myself and like him im gifted with the art of snake handling and he and i have a real passion and respect for what we do and dont have to use force because we have that one sixth sense.... O' Stools OLD.... methods of pinning and brute force are sickening i wouldnt be surprized if alot of the animals he handled later died from internal injury caused by him.... but if you really wanna see downright stupid you should check out Manny on extreme contact his favorite game is MOLEST THE ANIMALS.... Posted by Anonymous on December 9, 2000 Fake Steve Irwin's programmes are all set-up - why else do you see the snake before he finds it? O'Shea does respect the reptiles - that comes across in his programmes - which are informative as well as exciting. Mark gets my vote every time - because what he does is real - all the way. Posted by TANTRA on November 2, 2000 Steve Irwin without a doubt Steve is very gentle and respective with snakes or any other reptile he catches. Where as Mark just flings them around caring much more about if he gets hurt than the reptile and very conplaicent. YOU GO STEVE!!-Daniel Posted by CROTALUS79 on October 19, 2000 steve Steve's great,entertaining too.Lotsa respect for the animals he works with.He handles(I mean HANDles)everything....what craziness ahhhhh.....dedication. Posted by JOE on October 4, 2000 Steve vs Mark I enjoy mark as his info is accurate but his snake handeling methods are crule and unneeded. What is so ironic is that Mark uses all the proper tools and has been bit many times whilst all Steve uses is a twig and he has not been bitten once. But as Mark is English and so am I am obviously going to favour Mark. Posted by Anonymous on October 3, 2000 Irwin I love his show. I think that he respects the animals he works with and handles them well. In fact, when you watch him you can see that he has a true passion for the animals he is with. I find him to be very humorous and energetic, which makes his show more all the more entertaining to me. I hope they keep up the good work! Posted by MWSERPENTARIUM on October 2, 2000 Steve Irwin Only problem I have with Steve is that he tends to make handling deadly reptiles look like it is no problem and not a dangerous thing to do. I'm concerned about my 6 year old son getting the idea that a rattlesnake is something he shouldn't be afraid of. Posted by bill on September 29, 2000 Herper or Drunkard Is it just me or is O'shea the ugliest organism on the planet. It looks like a certain someone should lay off the liquor. No comparison, Steve rocks!!! Posted by Anonymous on September 28, 2000 Steve Irwin Steve is my favorite tv herper by far.But, I do think he takes some careless, crazy risks at times.For instance, he was herping somewhere at night, in the pitch dark one episode and got bit by a snake that he had to look up in a book because he didnt know if it was venomous or not. Now that was totally insane, an unfamiliar jungle ,at night, grabbing an unfamiliar snake.And the time he let his wife, a novice actually, subdue a tiger snake.I realize his thing is basically entertainment and i do enjoy wathing him.But a lot of us, not with 10/20 years experience are tuned in to learn somthing here and there.And lets not forget howmany times he got spit in the face trying to tail a cobra he didnt know (he says) was a spitting cobra.AT least i have learned what not to do, at his expense Posted by ROCKY1 on September 26, 2000 Irwin vs. O'Shea Although O'Shea is more informative, his snake handling techniques should outrage any self-respecting herper. I'm sorry, but stomping on a snakes head, or flinging them through the air to watch them bounce across the ground is TOTALY unacceptable and an outrage to me. The first episode of his show that I watched was also the last. As far as Steve Irwin is concerned, I don't watch him for the educational value. I watch him to be entertained. And he does a good job of entertaining. Posted by Vanyul on September 26, 2000 other hi all, I personally do not get along with Steve Irwin...he is the most arrogant buggar I have ever met. So I tend to be bias towards him. His shows are not as factual as they seem...so called finding a death adder down a gorge in Southern Queensland. A. antarcticus do occur in Southern Queensland in rocky areas(like gorges) but A. praelongus do not occur that far south.(A. praelongus was shown in the segement and mis identifyed as A. antarcticus. Irwins handling ways are fine by me however free handling is NOT acceptable when non-herps are present or watching...monkey see monkey do. Would like your children to see a man free handling Coastal Taipans????? Rob Bredl is not that bad but me too has made some factual errors. His handling techniques are much better for the public to see while you are still kept interested. Mark O'Shea good, His information I found always to be dead on target. but possibly some of his handling seems to be a bit harsh on the snakes....but jumping on the head of a croc is'nt? Chad mentioned Harry Butler...not to bad but occasionally a bit old on the info...(you can also get books to go along with the series). My vote goes with John Cann and George Cann....these brothers have done numerous segments on Snakes around Australia...each one perfect in info and handling techniques not ridiculous in restraint but justifyed. Scott Posted by BLACKSNAKE on September 26, 2000 Other= Whit Gibbons, for me... Posted by norm on September 25, 2000 Steve Irwin by a long shot! Mark O'Shea is just too cocky for me. He comes off as arrogant and appears to me to be way too brutal with snakes. His use of standard tongs and pinning I think is uncalled for. I have never seen Irwin use any other method than tailing and he doesn't even use a hook (but I damn sure do!). Also, it is obvious that he truly loves and respects the animals he deals with and his shows focus more on them than himself. He gets so happy and excited about his finds...he's just really entertaining. I don't think the same can be said for O'Shea. Furthermore, I think Irwin has really had a great impact on the way a lot of people think of herps. In fact...I would love to see Irwin do a show on the horrors of rattlesnake roundups and take a stand against it. Of course, I'm sure this would be bad p.r. for him, especially being a forigner, so I doubt he would do it... and that's understandable. However, I think this would be a huge step in the total ban, or atleast regulation of these barbaric events. Just my $0.02. Adam Posted by ADAMS on September 25, 2000 Steve I like Steve Irwin. If he had a knitting show, it would be entertaining, lol. I have heard him make a few mistakes here and there, but he handles the animals better than O'Shea, even if he does take chances. We all saw O'Shea stomp on the head of a C. v. caliginis I believe it was. I also don't like O'Shea's attitude. He does have a more scientific approach, but I can't stand listening to him. I hear his book on the snakes of New Guinea is excellent. I plan on buying it as soon as I can. Maybe he should stick to writing. RC Posted by RC on September 25, 2000 Almost Other Steve's the only one I have seen that is on your list. I almost went for the guy who was on the last segment of Discovery's "Crocodile Wranglers" the other night. He is Joe Wasilewski, & I nearly voted for him basically because I have known him for more years than I care to think about, & he is a heckuva guy. He's working with C. acutus down in south Dade County, Florida. Posted by GREGLONGHURST on September 24, 2000 loosing the glitter crock file's has changed a lot of attitudes in the general public. How-ever its lost what put it on the top. Posted by Anonymous on September 24, 2000 Who educates more? I voted for SI simply because I think he has done more towards education than anyone. Oh, I know his programs aren't as educational, but far more people watch him than probably anyone else simply because he's fun. Like that quirky chem teacher who used to have those techno-coloured Las Vegas style classes. He might not have taught as much as a more conventional teacher, but more people signed up for his class and more people remembered what they saw. Posted by Sepult on September 24, 2000 I Like O'shea it shows the true glamour of field work. I would have voted for Irwin but the show just looks to fake. Notice how the camera always seems to find the snakes before steve does. Also I believe some of the snakes he uses are venomoid. Note the episode where the Big adamanteus strikes the camera. Now that camera should have had some venom on it cause that snake was pissed. I enjoyed the spitting cobra episode though. Posted by DougW on September 24, 2000 Other Although I voted for Steve Irwin (and am not ashamed to admit it) I did think about Rob Bredl (The Barefoot Bushman) This herper from a legendary family of herpers is really cool, and really educationally oriented, but Steve is more entertaining. Posted by NUMBER18 on September 24, 2000 Who is "Other" ? I would be interested to know who someone was referring to when they voted for "Other". I couldn't think of anyone else when I put this question up. ~CH Posted by Charper on September 23, 2000 Steve Irwin/ O'Shea Mr. Irwin does things that make a Amatuer herpetoogist like myself, cringe. All for the sake of making the audiance go AHHHHH! This is not instructive, and sometimes the information is flat out wrong. O'Shea worries about his glory too much, prefer the more scientific approach, , not in your face technique, learn more from this approach. Posted by Barry4 on September 23, 2000 Steve but.... I appreciate the more scientific aproach Oshea has, but find his ego intollerable. Ryan Posted by RYANW on September 22, 2000 Crikey... Crikey but Steve's funny to watch. He brings in the viewers and makes wildlife seem interesting even if he does things I would never even contemplate. Karl Posted by Buzztail1 on September 22, 2000 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!