Hi Martin,Boomslangs are DWA.

Roy.

theres a couple of rear fanged species on the list as well, but only those deemed medically significant

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Yes a Boomslang is classed as a DWA, The Venom is just as toxic as most Elapids. And the Antivenin isn't 100% guaranteed to work.

And ohh really.....A Southern Copperhead being DWA....Thats highly suprising because no deaths have been reported in about 7 years, and its the most common snake to be tagged by in the United States. The majority of SC bites aren't even treated with Crofab, just a course of antibiotics.

No anti-venom is 100% garanteed to do the job safely and effectively, there are alot of envenomations where symptoms are treated without anti venom, its certainly not a miracle cure there are many problems that come with administration of AV, obviously serious bites are treated with AV because theres no other treatment thats as effective, but its not without its problems.

Also theres snakes on the DWA list that haven't killed anybody at all, but they are still front fanged venomous snakes, some vipers and some elapids as well. Copperheads as a general rule, because theres not that much variation between the venom of the 5 subspecies, are non fatal but people envenomated are still in a whole world of pain, loss of digits and hospital treatment is commonly needed, they are a snake that alot of people don't take seriously because they hear about them being non fatal, but they are dangerous. No one has died from an exotic snake bite here in the UK for a great number of years, but that doesnt take away the dangerousness of the snakes that people have been bitten by, you just have to commend the doctors here in the UK that treat the envenomations.

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So is there anybody close to Southampton who would be interested in mentoring me with their collection? Please.

Yes, But some Anti-serums work better then others.

You wont find anyone willing to until you're 18, liability issues, insurance etc, they can't risk the possibility of a 16 year old getting bitten and having there ass sued and alot more, you're best bet is reading and learning all you can, taking courses at college/uni in the direction of working with exotics.

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Why don't you try a fiesty rear fanged snake to practice with first, a false water cobra would be good to start with or possibly a mangrove.

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I was thinking this.

I need some mentoring aswell though...

I am confident I can avoid being bitten.....All I need to start with is observation for body posture......Hands on mentoring can come at the age of 18......so as if I am bitten it will be my own fault.

Anybody know of any local breeders to me where I can purchase a Mangrove snake or a False Water Cobra??

And where I can get vivariums and snake handling equipment, and rodents