Venomous Reptile Suggested Best Management Practices (BMPs)

There is no doubt that venomous snakes, and other venomous reptiles, elicit both a fear and fascination like no other among many people, and this oftentimes leads to private and professional hobbyists, enthusiasts, educators, and other individuals and institutions keeping these beautiful yet deadly animals in captivity. While we always will support the responsible care and keeping of venomous reptiles in captivity, and which are often informally known as “hots”, albeit by only those who are qualified and experienced, and whom choose to do so, there are nonetheless numerous very important protocols, and other best management practices to consider when working with these groups of animals. While many of the overall basic husbandry parameters are not much different from their non-venomous counterparts, keeping venomous animals in of itself is an entirely different ballpark, and entails an entirely different set of rules, guidelines and practices.

Even the simplest of mistakes or oversights, while they may typically not a big deal when they occur with harmless or nonvenomous reptiles, can have far more devastating consequences when it comes to venomous species. Even one escape, mishap, or bite, or envenomation, can mean the difference between life and death, or if not, at the very least, serious injury and permanent disfigurement and astronomical hospitalization costs. Not acting responsibly with these animals also of course jeopardizes the entire reptile and exotic pet keeping communities, and serves as additional “black eyes” so to speak.

While these animals can certainly do have the potential to be very dangerous in the wrong hands, and are certainly not suitable “pets” at least in the sense that dogs, cats, and even many common “non-venomous” species might be, it is still quite possible to safely and responsibly maintain these animals in captivity. Previous housing, enclosure, transport, and other best management protocols for venomous reptiles have previously been discussed in some level in previous articles such as “Reptile Show Guidelines and Best Management Practices”, “Why Venomous Reptiles?”, and a “legalese form” of such, this document focuses on more detailed and in depth suggestive criteria, resource, and protocols anyone even considering keeping venomous reptiles must absolutely consider, for the animal’s safety and well-being, as well as one’s own safety, the safety of others, and the community in general.
-Definitions. For the purposes of this document, “venomous” reptiles shall be considered primarily those species and taxa possessing a venom which is typically considered “medically significant” to humans, which otherwise means their venom, toxicity, or components of their venom thereof have the potential to create significant harm, destruction, or disruption to one or more human bodily systems. LD’50s, or “Lethal Dosages 50%” is a concept generally used to ascertain the venom potency of venomous reptiles and other venomous organisms in that it examines the amount of venom required to kill approximately 50% of a test group of laboratory rats or mice, although this methodology, as it should be noted, is applicable more to rodents than it is to humans. However, the vast majority of medically significant reptile species fall within only a few scientific families, namely the Elapidae (which include, but are not limited to the coral snakes, cobras, sea snakes, taipans, mambas, and other Australian “brown” snakes), the Crotalidae, or the pit vipers (including, but not limited to rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and other pit vipers), and the Viperidae, or the true, “pitless” vipers, as well as Helodermatitdae (or the Gila Monsters and Mexican Beaded Lizards). A few notable, rear-fanged, or opisthoglyphous species of snakes in the family Colubridae, most notably the Boomslang, Dispholidus typus, as well as the Twig Snakes (Thelotornis spp.), and the Asian Keelback Snakes (Rhabdophis spp.), some of which can even have both “venomous” and “poisonous” members of the genus!

Venomous animals often use and develop several different types of venoms, which may produce different effects upon the body, and/or affect different organ systems in different ways. Sometimes it may have evolved as a defense against predators, but more often, as a means of more efficiently and effectively subduing and digesting specific prey. An animal’s venom toxicity and composition can vary depending upon many different environmental factors, including the animal’s lifestyle, prey-base and diet, age or size of the animal, or other factors. While it may often be popular to generalize that a specific species or genera of animals tends to possess a certain type of venom in general, this can often be found not be the case, as venom composition and toxicity can even vary among different locales, populations, or even individuals of the same species or population and in many cases, animals can have a mixture, or combination of these venom properties!

In general, there are several common toxins, or types of venoms in which venomous reptiles may possess, whether primarily, or in part. Hemotoxins, or Haemotoxins, disrupt primarily the red blood cells while oftentimes also disrupting blood clotting, and/or leading to organ and/or tissue damage and destruction. Cardiotoxins, or Cytotoxins are toxins which generally disrupt or attack cells and cellular structures, also known as Necrotoxins, or Necrosis, also leading to tissue and organ damage or destruction. Myotoxins are toxins in which the muscular system is targeted and disintegrated, leading to muscle necrosis and paralysis. Finally, Neurotoxins are toxins which affect primarily the nervous system of the body, leading to nervous system damage and/or shutdown. The evolution and properties of animal venoms is a fascinating and ever-developing field of study which, as it can easily be imagined, is well beyond the scope of this document much further.

-Venomoid Animals. The controversial practice and concept of “venomoid”, or “de-fanged” animals refers to specific, individual animals or specimens which have been externally or surgically altered to have had their fangs, venom glands, or venom ducts partially or entirely removed or severed. Keepers and owners must, at all times, even when necessitated through legitimate medical or veterinary treatment, surgery, or intervention, handle and treat these animals as if they are fully capable of inflicting an envenomation, and must not become complacent around these animals. It is always still possible for there to either be residual venom able to be delivered through the fangs, for fangs and/or venom ducts to regrow and regenerate (snakes, as well as other reptiles constantly shed and replace their fangs and teeth throughout their lives), or at the very least, for there to be the potential of secondary infection or other unusual bodily reactions to a so-called “venomoid” bite. “Venomoid” animals simply still have the potential to be just as dangerous as their unaltered counterparts.

-Laws and Legalities. Venomous species should only be kept in areas where it is legal to do so, or otherwise under the appropriate licenses or permits, should they be required. Many states, counties, and local municipalities outright prohibit or strictly regulate the ownership of venomous reptiles. Not keeping these animals in compliance with all local, state, or sometimes even federal laws, regulations, and ordinances places oneself at greater risk in the event of an accident, the animal’s well-being, and gives additional black eyes to the reptile and exotic pet communities.

-Secondary and Tertiary Enclosures. A secondary or even tertiary containment system is a must when maintaining venomous reptiles. These systems are designated as the areas in which the venomous reptile's enclosure(s) are located, such as a separate room of the house, facility, or outdoor, or external facility. These areas must absolutely be sealed and escape-proof should escape from the animal’s primary enclosure occur. This includes ensuring all possible cracks, gaps, and other possible openings underneath, and around doorways or entry/exit-ways, hallways, windows, ducts and vents, and other such possible escape routes are sealed, covered, and escape proof! Apartment complexes/buildings, shared, multi-family, or other forms of closely associated community housing and living spaces are simply not ideal secondary containment systems for housing venomous reptiles; ideally one should either own their own home, or maintain a separate, secured external facility or building in order to properly keep these animals.

-Facilities Maintenance and Management. Consider the other facilities maintenance and management aspects to keeping venomous reptiles. All floors and floor space within and around the room(s), or areas, in which venomous reptiles are maintained should be kept clean and sanitary, free of any unnecessary obstructions or other debris and clutter which may impede quick and/or evasive movements should they be necessary. Any and all potential or accidental falling, slipping, or tripping hazards should be reduced as much as possible or eliminated. Also consider all other emergency preparedness procedures, and plan ahead accordingly, including in the events of storms, fires, floods, or other natural disasters which may prolong access to proper medical attention should a bite or other accident occur during these conditions. The last thing any venomous reptile owner or keeper wants are for there to be further delays in accessing medical treatment in the event of an envenomation. Prospective venomous reptile keepers and owners should also have emergency backup lighting and generators in the event of a power outage, as well as a longer term plan with qualified emergency contacts in the event of the absolute worst case scenarios requiring these animals to be temporarily re-housed and/or cared for under such circumstances.

-Primary Enclosures. The enclosure used to house venomous reptiles should consist of a quality, sturdy material not subject to warping, breakage, or overall decay. Generally, enclosures made of the many commercially available plastic, high density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, or similar materials, with secure, lockable hinged, latched, and/or sliding glass front-opening doors are most suitable for housing venomous reptiles. Manufacturers such as Vision Enclosures, ARS Enclosures, or other similar manufacturers are examples. The enclosure should also be adequately ventilated to ensure sufficient ventilation, heating, lighting, temperatures, and humidity. Overall, glass aquariums or terrariums with screen tops are not ideal enclosures for venomous reptiles due to the possibility of their fangs, or even their venom indirectly, penetrating the screen to cause an envenomation. Primary enclosures housing venomous reptiles should also be placed at a reasonable, easily reachable, and visible height, ideally on a floor level to approximately chest-level, rather than at head or face level.

-Accessing the Primary Enclosure. Only authorized and qualified individuals should have access to, or the ability to open and service a venomous reptile enclosure, or otherwise be able to access the secondary enclosure (i.e. room or facility in which the venomous animals are being maintained). Appropriate tools should always be used to open a venomous reptile enclosure, rather than by bare hands or fingers, unless an otherwise suitable, clear and transparent barrier still exists between the individual and the animal. All possible hiding places within the enclosure should be identified, including underneath, or above any upper or lower ledges or “lips” to an enclosure, near or within any heating, lighting, or other enclosure ducts or shrouds, or other places. Never service or clean a venomous reptile enclosure with the animal still present inside, unless secured by a trapbox, and never enter any enclosure until and unless the animal’s whereabouts in the enclosure are known.

-Transport and Temporary Containment. Temporary containers, deli-cups, trap boxes, and other enclosures for the purposes of temporarily moving or transporting venomous animals to and from enclosures for regular, or routine maintenance, or for shipping should also consist of a sturdy, quality, escape-proof material and be lockable, or otherwise latched. All deli-cups, or other containers an animal may be housed within for the purposes of sale, exhibition, or shipping and transport should ideally be sealed and marked with a red tape to indicate a venomous species. All delicups, boxes, and shipping containers should also be labelled with the species (genus and species), sex, quantity/number of animals enclosed, and all applicable contact information for the seller/owner, and receiver and any other relevant information. All animals, containers or enclosures housing venomous reptiles must either be at least double, or triple-bagged, or otherwise be contained in a rigid secondary display case or have adequate barriers preventing the unauthorized handling of any containers or enclosures or escape of animals.

-Primary Enclosure Labeling. Each animal’s primary enclosure should consist of labelling which is easily legible (ideally printed), to include the animal’s common and scientific, or latin name (Genus and species), as well as sex/gender of the animal, number or quantity of animals inside the enclosure, the appropriate bite, or emergency management protocol for the species on or readily near and visible to the enclosure, and all relevant personal and emergency contact information. Doorways and other entry-ways to the areas in which venomous reptiles are maintained should also contain adequate warnings, or notices of venomous animals, and/or the appropriate species list for the animals housed beyond the point of entryway, and the appropriate personal and emergency contact information.

-Have All Husbandry and Handling Tools and Equipment. Individuals and institutions maintaining and housing venomous reptiles should maintain on hand all of the necessary husbandry and handling tools and equipment for venomous reptiles in several readily available and convenient locations, both inside the room or area, and around, or outside the entryway. These tools and equipment should include the necessary hooks, tongs, tubes, forceps or hemostats, U-Plexes or other glass or plexiglass shields or barriers, face shields, or other equipment anticipated. Bare feet, or open toed shoes or other footwear should also not be worn when handling or working around venomous reptiles, but rather sturdy, closed toed boots or shoes. The same goes for shorts, long pants, jeans, or other pantwear on and around the legs and feet. Hooks, tongs, forceps or hemostats, and any other handling or feeding equipment should be washed and sanitized between uses and/or between different animals, and any and all surfaces should also be washed and cleaned of any residual venom in order to prevent the possibility of an indirect envenomation; no open wounds, cuts, etc. should be present on one’s body.

-Written and Printed Protocols, BMPs, Emergency Contacts, and Other Information on Hand. Emergency bite protocols, procedures, and best-management practices for each specific species being maintained should be readily available and accessible. These documents should include the biology and natural history of the species in question, the nature, toxicity, composition, and all possible signs and symptoms of their bite, venom, or envenomation, all personal contact information, emergency contact information for one or more trusted other contacts, sources, number of vials, and types of anti-venom and/or methods of treatment for each specific species, how to administer the anti-venom, and one, or ideally several forms of emergency contact information willing and able to treat venomous snakebite patients, especially when it comes to exotic species. The Florida Snakebite Institute, M-Toxins Venom Lab, or the University of California Division of Medical Toxicology are sources which may be able to sample protocols to maintain for specific species, both exotic and native.

-Forming Relationships with Healthcare Providers. Ideally, anyone potentially keeping or working with venomous reptiles should have already formed acknowledgements and relationships with one or more of their local hospitals or healthcare providers. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers should not be left in the dark and scrambling when you, as a patient, come in with a snakebite case, much less from an exotic snakebite that many hospitals likely not know how to treat on their own, or stock ant-venoms for! Reviewing what one’s insurance and methods of payment do and do not cover in the event of a snakebite should also be a must!

-Handling of Venomous Reptiles. Handling, and access to opportunities to handle venomous reptiles should only be to experienced, capable, and qualified individuals or institutions. All appropriate safety measures and handling equipment designed and manufactured specifically for venomous reptiles should be used, including hooks, tongs, forceps or hemostats, tubes, U-Plexes, and other supplies and equipment. Free-handling of venomous reptiles, which is the handling of these animals using one’s bare hands and no tools or handling equipment, should be strongly discouraged, or if one must absolutely free-handle for whatever the reason, to not post photos depicting such handling practices online or on social media. The risk is far higher and is always present no matter how “tame” an animal may be. Each species, and even individual specimens or animals, have their own temperaments and personalities, as well as defensive behaviors or other bodily languages and behaviors. It must be up to the responsible keeper or caretaker to understand, be able to properly read and ascertain their animal’s habits, behavior, and body language at any given moment, and observe their animals for signs of stress or agitation. The practice of “tailing” a venomous reptile, or otherwise handling, hooking, or restraining or controlling an animal by their tails can also still be potentially dangerous, and is not necessarily a safe means of handling or working with all species of venomous reptiles, especially those which may have comparatively shorter tails, shorter bodies, and/or much quicker and more unpredictable strike ranges.

Even animals which one may know well, or may otherwise be relatively calm and docile can react or behave unpredictably in certain situations or circumstances. All of the voluntarily accepted risks associated with keeping, handling, and working with each animal maintained must be understood and accepted to a “T”. The practice of “pinning” or restraining a venomous reptile’s head and neck should only be performed by the most experienced individuals, and only for the purposes of specific husbandry and/or medical intervention to the animal and not for show or “bravado”; All it takes is for one false grip, or slip of a fang for a mishap to occur. The use of cloth or leather gloves to handle venomous reptiles should only have a very limited set of circumstances at the keeper’s best judgement, typically reserved only for very small or very young snakes with very short fangs; otherwise, gloves are rarely a sufficient means of protection against the penetration of an animal’s fangs, and indeed can also limit or hamper mobility and dexterity of the hands and/or fingers while handling a venomous animal.

-Stocking of Antivenom. Prospective venomous reptile keepers and owners should locate and be able to provide and stock their own source of anti-venom in the event of an envenomation or accident, and understand the necessary amount of vials required to be able to treat most, if not all bites. Species-specific anti-venom should be maintained on hand for each genera and species maintained. While not every species might have species specific anti-venom available, it is nevertheless up to responsible keepers to either forgo maintaining those such species, or maintain, nonetheless, an emergency bite protocol plan and procedures, as well as other effective known anti-venoms. Relying upon zoos, or other individuals or institutions for their anti-venom is not advisable or responsible, as doing so jeopardizes others’ needed resources while placing their own staff, employees, or faculty at risk should they require it. It is also up to individual, responsible keepers and owners to understand and maintain the shelf-lives of any anti-venom stocked, and the effectiveness and durations of using potentially expired anti-venoms. Any and all anti-venoms should only be acquired, used, and disposed of in accordance with all applicable local, state, federal health regulations, and only in accordance with instructed usages.