Snake Post for my reptile enthusiast

[ParrotSnakeMan]

Thought this might be neat for my fellow snake keepers. I have recently adopted a snake that was part of a telemetry study at a local university. He is older and it was deemed he is best kept in by an experienced keeper rather than let go in the wild. He is a tiger rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris). Such a beautiful creature and such a privilege for me to care for him. He will be the 3rd rattlesnake in our care.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Highly venomous from what I understand, but you will be careful I'm sure!
Was he too friendly to be let go? I've known a few "friendly venomous snake" types in life.
How old is an older rattlesnake? Do they live a long time?

 

[OttoVonRuthless316]

Beautiful rattlesnake! Thanks for adopting and caring for it! Love snakes!

 

[ParrotSnakeMan]

You are correct this is actually the most potent venom of any snake in north america. It is both neurotoxic and hemotoxic. Thankfully they aren’t encountered by humans as much due to their shy nature and living in rocky areas of higher elevation. They live 20 years or more, this one is approx 11 years old and spent much time with humans to the point where he doesn’t fear them. That and unfortunate development of his original area are the reasons it was decided he was best left in my care.
He isn’t friendly, but tolerates handling with snake hooks and general moving associated with care and maintenance. My Western Diamondback and Speckled Rattlers could be considered friendly as I’ve had them since birth and they’ve only ever known my care. I don’t free handle any of them since they are pit vipers and could kill me or leave me with a bad time and some insane medical bills.

 

[rheashard2]

Glad you adopted him. He's beautiful.

 

[ParrotSnakeMan]

I feel so privileged to care for him. I named him Dr. Krieger sticking with my Archer theme for my venomous snakes. Included some pics of Archer and Cyril as well.

 

[nkrbkr]

No Pam or Cheryl?

 

[ParrotSnakeMan]

No Pam or Cheryl?

Not yet, but I may take on more as time goes on. Rattlers are my favorite!

 

[wrench13]

I used to be associated with the New York Herpetological Society, when it was in existence and kept many snakes, venomous and not. Beautiful examples.