adamanteus Is a pretty aggressive snake. contortrix does have the mildest venom of any other North A. Pit viper, and are known to be a flighty/strikey snake. I would treat any venomous snake like it was the deadliest. I also wouldn't base my ability to keep venomous on the fact that I have kept non-venomous for a long time. Apples and Oranges..... I think you should have proper training before ever thinking about keeping venomous. Experience is a bad teacher, it tests you.