How did you get involved with "hots"?

[reptileexperts]

For me its been three fold.

1) the appreciation of the evolution there is within venomous reptiles
2) the passion for some of the most hated snakes (western diamondbacks in Texas have horrible fates typically when found)
3) Education.

I started keeping hots when I was around 20 (going on 30 this year) and started with neonate agkistrodons (cottonmouths and copperheads). I was asked to do a snake identification course for a lot of the local areas, and even decided to add a Crotalus atrox to the mix (Western Diamondback) to help give the show an even more powerful punch. It helps get a lot of attention because folks have a curiosity in regards to the venomous world, and it made the presentations that much more powerful.

From an evolutionary stand point, vipers are one of the most sophisticatedly evolved snakes in the world. From their complex venom structure, to their ability to fold their fangs, control the gland to produce dry bites or heavy bites. They pack heat seeking pits that give them the ability to see the world like "predator", and of course the evolution of a rattle inclusive. Elapids have had their own level of fascination with myself, I've admired cobras and enjoy seeing them and working with them from time to time, but keeping them has not been on my short list. They don't hold a lot of value to me when I do talks as most folks are focused on the ones they need to learn and want to be able to identify in their yards / neighborhoods / etc.

Keeping hots is a giant step for snake keepers and to do it right requires a lot of ground work with an experienced keeper. Learning how to properly use hooks / tongs. Feeding from forceps and staying out of reach. Learning and understanding striking range to always stay in the clear. Places for folks to start is to get a highly aggressive colubrid and treat it like a hot. Always use caution with it and use hooks / tools for everything. And anytime you take a bite from it, remind yourself "I could've died today".

At current, my wife and I keep a 3.5 year old Male Gila Monster, a 5 month old poss female Gila Monster. An adult Southern Copperhead (now eastern if the taxonomy stuff holds true), and our recent addition of a Trans-pecos Copperhead.

[BFE Pets]

as with any reptile my fascination came from the genetic aspect. from the insane morphs to the pure locality derived looks I love them all. However with hots it was a matter of 1 not being afraid of snakes in general, and 2 in the right place at the right time. I started dealing with rattlers while living in AZ in 1999. We would occasionally come across one in my apartment complex. Since everyone knew I was the crazy snake guy I'd get the call to come see it. I'd bring a 5 gal bucket with a screw on lid and a walking stick. I didnt know jack about how to do it properly but I knew I didnt want someone killing it or a kid to get bit so i'd collect them up and drive about 45 minutes to the desert and release them. After some time doing that and taking the time to study them I became fascinated with the aspect of self immunization and the healing properties of certain proteins in snake venom. I currently keep a small collection of 22 venomous snakes along with my collection of retics, boas, and balls.