Rattlesnake - Western Prairie?

Question

I have some question about this poisonous rattlesnake!

1. Where can I buy this snake?

2. Where can I get this snake de-venomed?

3. Will it have any venom if I get it de-venomed (Say it bites somone.. Will I need to panic they will die from venom?)

4. Is this snake leagle to own?

5. If its illeagle where can I get it leagleized?

6. Where can I get this snake tamed to not bite me but to protect me?

7. How much will it cost?

Please answer them only if you know the TRUE answer and not a guess!! Thanks!

PS: Here is a pic of what it looks like... http://www.geo-outdoors.info/images/poisonous_reptiles/snake_viper_family/rattlesnake_prairie.jpg

Answer 1

First off, judging from your questions and spelling, you should NOT own a VENOMOUS (snakes are not poisonous) snake.

1.  Rattlesnakes are available from various sources. Reptile shows and private breeders as well as online sources

2. Most vets will not take venom sacks out of snakes. Venomoids still have the fangs, but the venom producing sacks have been removed. If you're going to own a venomous species, why would you mutilate the snake like that?

3. If it is a venomoid and the surgery was done correctly, then no-it won't have venom.  It will still have the fangs though and as such, can deliver a painful bite.

4.  The legal issues is state to state and sometimes county or city law.  While some states allow the keeping of venomous species, some cities or counties don't. Some states such as Florida require a license to keep hots and you must do a certain amount of hours of apprenticeship to prove you're ready to keep one.  You will have to check with your local Dept. of Fish and Game or Dept. of Natural Resources to find out the laws in your state.

5. If your state prohibits keeping of venomous species then there is no way to make it legal.  

6.  You can not train a snake to differentiate between you and say a burglar.  It's not a dog...and it scares me that you are even contemplating this.

7. Cost depends upon whether or not the animals is wild caught or captive born and bred.  

Keeping hots is something that requires responsibility.  Hots should never be handled if it can be helped and then never with your hands.  Sometimes this can't be avoided, but there are tools to make it marginally safer.  You need an escape proof room and cage. A protocol book with the species, and the treatment as well as any medical issues you have.  You will need to procure the anti-venom for the species (very expensive) you are keeping.  Most hospitals will not have anti-venom for non-indigenous species on hand.  Obviously you are not going to do any of this. When you keep a hot irresponsibly you affect all of us in the reptile industry.  If you or someone is bitten because you were careless, then new laws are placed to either restrict or ban snakes. You don't do any of us a favor. Stay away from hots!

Answer 2

Where can you get it legalized? You want it to protect you? I don't think a rattlesnake, or any venomous snake, is the pet for you.