Raw venom samples from southeastern pit-vipers are available for purchase through Chuck Hurd Serpentology. Venom samples are legal for commerce inside the United States for non-human research or experiments. As it was explained to me by an agent of the Federal Drug Administration, the FDA does not regulate venoms or any other substance unless they are to be used as medicines or medical treatment for humans or unless being used in human testing. For example, neither salt nor water are regulated by the FDA, but salt water used to treat a sore throat would fall under FDA regulation. All venom samples sold by Chuck Hurd Serpentology are intended only for laboratory testing, class room display, or animal testing. Using venom purchased from CHS to produce medicines intended for humans or to conduct human experiments is strictly prohibited.
Venom samples are collected from the CHS breeding stock and/or nuisance animals that were collected. Animals are not extracted regularly, all venom samples ordered are filled at the time of the order, no surplus venom is kept on hand. Venom samples are not freeze dried. Venom is purchased only in the raw state. Venom can be supplied fresh under certain circumstances, but mainly is collected from the snake, placed in libratory veils and immediately frozen.
Venom is collected by a professionally trained venom extractor and only through the means that provide the minimum amount of stress to the snakes. Professional grade and sterile equipment is always used.
| Animal: | Price: | Notes: |
| Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) | $75/cc | |
| Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus atricaudatus) | $75/cc | |
| Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus horridus) | $75/cc | |
| Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) | $75/cc | |
| Florida Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) | $75/cc | |
| Western Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) | $75/cc | |
| Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix controtrix) | $100/cc | |
| Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) | $100/cc | |
| Pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) | $150/cc | Small venom yield, may require a mixture all sub-sp depending on quantity |
| Cottonmouth X Copperhead Hybrid (Agkistrodon piscivorus X contortrix) | $500/cc | venom samples available only at Chuck Hurd Serpentology |
| Cnaebrake X EDB Hybrid (Crotalus horridus x adamanteus) | $500/cc | venom samples available only at Chuck Hurd Serpentology |
Locality information is available for some animals, inquire as to your needs.
We have one of the largest, continually maintained, horridus collections in the world. We keep over 30 animals, many in this collection over several years. We have locality information ranging from northern NY all the way to FL.
Anyone looking for large quantities, standard production orders, or exotic venoms should contact a commercial venom extraction lab. The three I have had contact with and give my inducement are: Bill Haast (Miami Serpitorium), James Harrison (Kentucky Reptiles Zoo), and George Van Horn (Biotoxins, Inc.)
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Bill and Nancy Haast Miami Serpentarium Laboratories 34879 WASHINGTON LOOP ROAD http://www.miamiserpentarium.com/
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James Harrison Kentucky Reptiles Zoo 200 L & E Rd http://www.geocities.com/kentuckyreptilezoo
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George Van Horn Biotoxins, Inc. St Cloud, FL 32769 Phone: (407) 892-6905 |