Talk:Venomous snake

"true poisonous"?

What is meant by "true poisonous" fuck snakes? Why are snakes of the genus Rhabdophis alone worthy of this designation? Nothing on the pages of the three species documented there suggests that these are anything other than ordinary venomous snakes. I vote that this "see also" be deleted. 198.81.129.186 (talk) 14:08, 22 July 2011 (UTC)

RESPONSE TO "TRUE POISONOUS?" There's a difference between poison and venom. It's explained at the end of the page. If you understand the difference between the two, you'll understand why there needs to be a "see also" link to true poisonous snakes. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.183.162.36 (talk) 21:15, 8 March 2012 (UTC)

How Long?

Most guides on the subject of venomous snakes have been very ambiguous about this, but around how long do you have to get medical attention after getting a bite from a venomous snake, in a case where venom is injected? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.181.74.232 (talk) 06:36, 9 August 2008 (UTC)

In all cases, simply as soon as possible. How much time you have before your condition deteriorates significantly is almost impossible to say because it depends on very many factors, including (but in no particular order of importance):

• Species of snake
• Size of snake
• Age of snake
• Health of snake
• Time of year (influences amount and concentration of venom in glands)
• Level of agitation of individual snake
• Geographic location (where the snake is from)
• Amount of venom injected
• Body mass of victim
• Age of victim
• Health of victim
• Amount of physical exertion performed by victim following bite
• Possible allergy or sensitivity to venom of victim
• Location of bite on victim's body
• How deeply the venom was injected (subcutaneous or intramuscular)
• Whether or not the venom was injected directly into the bloodstream
• Possible countermeasures taken that actually exacerbate victim's condition

There are probably more. Many of the first factors influence how much venom is injected. Even if the bite is not fatal (and most are not), many types of snake venom, especially viperid venoms, work by destroying tissue that can result in damage to skin, muscles and tendons. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary, but even if not such bites are a very painful experience. The sooner you get to a hospital, the better your chances of survival, the less pain you will suffer and the lower your chances of permanent tissue damage. --Jwinius (talk) 12:11, 9 August 2008 (UTC)

Is it true that generally, (and without relying on it) the more triangular the head of the snake is, the more likely it is to be venomous? Writing on the actual venom gland might help this article.Virillustre (talk) 18:34, 12 April 2011 (UTC)

What word or words should start this sentence, "Carl John Nikko Montemayor use modified saliva, snake venom, usually delivered through highly specialized teeth such as hollow fangs, for the purpose of prey immobilization and self-defense. In contrast, non-venomous species either constrict their prey, or simply overpower it with their jaws." I'm glad I don't know Carl.Jtyroler (talk) 05:46, 2 October 2011 (UTC)

Top 10 Venomous snakes

I think the list should be taken out because (a)the article itself claims this:

Lists or rankings of the world's "most venomous snakes" are tentative and differ greatly due to numerous factors, including the age and reliability of the data, the number of species analyzed, and the testing methods used.[3] In addition, since mice are the common indicator used to test venom from venomous snakes in LD50 tests, the LD50 results may not reflect the actual effects on humans due to the physiological differences between mice and humans.

And (b) it's also true that the vast majority of species don't have a "LD50" number that's solid because different studies produce different sets of data/numbers and usually species have a LD₅₀ range (ie. the black mamba has a range of 0.05-0.32 mg/kg - these numbers come from different toxicology studies). There are studies done on mice, rabbits, dogs, and monkeys and all produce differing data on venom toxicity. According to recorded human snakebites, the "most venomous land snake" the Inland taipan has two recorded bites and both were non-lethal (both victims survived without the use of antivenom), while the "less venomous" coastal taipan and the black mamba both have a 100% mortality rate in humans if bites are left medically untreated. It is unheard of for a person to survive a black mamba bite without the administration of medical treatment (antivenom therapy, mechanical ventilation, use of drugs, etc). For this reason I believe the list should go. RedGKS talk contribs. 15:08, 15 March 2012 (UTC)