Brazilian Smooth Snake aka False Water Cobra

[Slithers]

Thanks very much, JLC! He thinks he is scary! LOL

PJ FF,
I know!! I am super excited with my purchase. I know that I really lucked out with this gorgeous snake! I was thinking the same thing...it is probably a hypo! It looks like one to me!

Time for a female!! LOL

Thanks for the comments!

[mattah320]

wait are these snakes venemous? there are false water cobras at the national zoo and it says that they are venemous on the plaque. help me out!

[JLC]

wait are these snakes venemous? there are false water cobras at the national zoo and it says that they are venemous on the plaque. help me out!

Yes, they are. They are "rear fanged" though, so its not easy for the snake to deliver the venom...relative to our more common image of a venomous snake. It's also a relatively mild venom...again, compared to what we usually think of...but still can be nasty/painful if the snake gets a good chew on ya.

[Slithers]

Thanks Judy.

She's right. They are venomous but not Hot. They are venomous but not 'dangerous'.
If you let them chew you, you are in for some trouble...but these snakes are NOT TO BE HANDLED BY MORONS!! Only a moron would let a venomous snake chew on them. Their venom is comparable to a Western Diamondback or a Timber Rattler according to some reports, but the False Water Cobras are only capable of delivering approximately 1/10th of the venom. 10mg as opposed to 100mg. Even still, from what I have read snakes are reluctant to actually envenomate anything but dinner. Furthermore, FWC are very very docile. True they are extremely aggressive eaters, but they are not aggressive generally speaking. They are lightning quick and are equipped with prehensile tails! They are very handleable and are not jumpy or headshy typically speaking. They dont stress very easy and are ravenous eaters. To get bitten by a FWC, it would require a SFE (stupid feeding error) or you would really have to aggravate it. But they are very tolerant of us humans for some reason. You must pay full attention while handling them, of course, and be prepared for anything. But they are a wonderful, intelligent snake...not to be feared.

If one were to bite and actually latch on, common sense would dictate removing the snake. Vinegar or alcohol can usually be used to safely remove a biting snake. Never ever let a rear fang venomous chew on you!!

I have heard the bites bleed like crazy though! Imagine an 8 foot FWC...like a boa with rear fangs.

[sg1trogdor]

Thanks Judy.

She's right. They are venomous but not Hot. They are venomous but not 'dangerous'.
If you let them chew you, you are in for some trouble...but these snakes are NOT TO BE HANDLED BY MORONS!! Only a moron would let a venomous snake chew on them. Their venom is comparable to a Western Diamondback or a Timber Rattler according to some reports, but the False Water Cobras are only capable of delivering approximately 1/10th of the venom. 10mg as opposed to 100mg. Even still, from what I have read snakes are reluctant to actually envenomate anything but dinner. Furthermore, FWC are very very docile. True they are extremely aggressive eaters, but they are not aggressive generally speaking. They are lightning quick and are equipped with prehensile tails! They are very handleable and are not jumpy or headshy typically speaking. They dont stress very easy and are ravenous eaters. To get bitten by a FWC, it would require a SFE (stupid feeding error) or you would really have to aggravate it. But they are very tolerant of us humans for some reason. You must pay full attention while handling them, of course, and be prepared for anything. But they are a wonderful, intelligent snake...not to be feared.

If one were to bite and actually latch on, common sense would dictate removing the snake. Vinegar or alcohol can usually be used to safely remove a biting snake. Never ever let a rear fang venomous chew on you!!

I have heard the bites bleed like crazy though! Imagine an 8 foot FWC...like a boa with rear fangs.

I know this is an "old" thread but I jst found it lol. I love my Falsey by the name of Falsey lol. Shes just gorgeous and although she kinda spooks me sometiimes with her stare shes pretty docile she did however try to get me once lol . But she was unsuccessful lol. I also owe many thanks to Wes for my girl. I will try to get some pics later. But shes in blue.