In the past I have kept many venomous snake species, from Rattlesnakes of various species and other Pit Vipers such as the Urutu (Bothrops alternatus) through "true" vipers such as the European Adder (Vipera berus), Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica) and Puff Adders (Bitis arietans), and some Elapids including Spitting Cobras (N. sputatrix) and the Oh so scary Cape Cobra (N.? can't remember the specific name without looking it up in a book!). My favourite group must be snakes of the Agkistrodon complex, including many species our American friends might be familiar with: Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix), and the Cottonmouth or Mocassin (Agkistrodon piscavorous) . Though I have had (and bred) other snakes from this group including the Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodastoma). I have also had some of the "back fanged" snakes including the Cat Eyed Snake (Boiga cyanea) which bred whilst in my care.

I would not recommend the keeping of venomous snakes for "pleasure". You can never underestimate the ability of these animals to kill you if provoked. Many venomous species are quite placcid by nature and it's easy to become complacent when dealing with them. That's when accidents happen. In many ways they are less interesting to keep...by their very nature they are less active (generally speaking) as they simply lie in ambush for their prey. And the risks are just too high. You can always see them in the Zoo! Don't be tempted...it's both dangerous and disappointing.