The short answer I give to anyone who wants to keep a venomous snake is DO NOT KEEP ONE !!!. There are so many species of harmless snakes and a growing number of colour mutations on the market to choose from, why put yourself and others in danger?. There are some keepers who are experienced enough to deal with a venomous snake without getting bitten, but accidents do happen. Even mildly cytotoxic species can cause tissue, nerve damage and even the loss of a finger. Anti venom for exotic snakes is not available in your local hospital. Death can occur with bites from Rattlesnakes, some Pit Viper species, certain Adder Species and Cobras ( this covers most of the venomous snakes kept in captivity, but is not a comprehensive guide). I have not added any photos of bites as these can be quite gruesome. If you want to keep a venomous snake that is your decision. Just remember that there are serious medical risks should you get bitten.
Timothy Zedi
Tim Zedi is a seasoned reptile enthusiast with over 25 years of experience in keeping and breeding a wide variety of reptiles. Tim was the former chairman of the West Rand Herpetological Association and volunteered at the Transvaal Snake Park.Tim has been instrumental in creating knowledge in the reptile community. He is a regular contributor to Practical Reptile Keeping magazine, where he shares his expertise and insights. Through his work, Tim has become a respected figure in the herpetology field, dedicated to educating others and promoting responsible reptile care.