I just caught a rattlesnake?

Babies certainly DO NOT inject more venom....this is a myth!

Compare the amount of venom between an adult and a neonate.....there is no way a tiny rattler could inject more mL of venom (even if it injected all its venom)with those tiny fangs than an adult could with much larger glands and fangs. The amount of venom injected is entirely based on

a) head size....more specifically, gland size

b) delivery system...canals as opposed to a pulmonary device

c) actual bite......did both fangs seek in?

d) longevity of bite

Depending on where you live there are a number of things that could be potentially illegal here.

First, Timber Rattlesnakes (Canebrake Rattlesnakes) are usually regarded as an endangered or threatened species in some states and it is illegal to disturb them.

More importantly, all states have different laws pertaining to keeping venomous snakes. You have to check State Laws, City Laws, County Laws, and Neighborhood Regulations. And then those set of laws pertain to only certain species being legal to own (again, differs from state to state). And even if you are allowed to keep that species in that state, a permit is most likley required.

Don't keep it. Even if you are inclined to keep a venomous snake, a large species of rattlesnake is not a good first venomous snake....especially mojaves, pacifics, timbers (canebrakes), and diamondbacks (westerns and easterns). A bite would result in a guaranteed expensive medical bill ($1000s) not to mention deformity and/or amputation.

Let it go where you found it.

Selling a venomous snake without a permit is a big NO NO.........especially if it is endangered....then you're looking at a felony.

I wouldn't recommend anyone keeping a venomous snake until they can be properly mentored by an experienced and cautious venomous snake owner.

why would a vet want a rattlesnake, why would you want a rattlesnake, and why would you want to sell one. if you've never had snakes before i would think twice before rearing a venomous one! rattlesnakes don't even go for that much money so why sell it. and what the heck is a vet gonna do with it =/ why don't you just put it back its not some rare find or anything

Put it back in the wild. IDIOT! Baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults because they have no way of controlling how much venom to inject when they bite...they end up injecting it all. Adults bite several times and inject very small amounts. Raise it? Again, stupid thing to do and you need a permit to keep/sell it. Give it to a vet? What the hell does a vet need a rattlesnake for? They would simply release it, as well.

I would turn it loose and leave it alone. Depending upon your state, it may be illegal to take or possess venomous indigenous species. You may require a permit as well. Unless you are experienced in keeping venomous, I would suggest you don't keep it. There are plenty of captive born and bred rattlesnakes out there that selling it wouldn't net you much in way of cash. Most vets will not handle venomous even if they work with reptiles in general.

You should put it back in the wild.

Wild caught reptiles have a 90% chance of dying in their first year of being caught. This is because they are isolated with all their parasites and other disease, can't act normally in their enclosure and become stressed out.

The kindest thing to do would be to set it free so it can live a normal life again.

kouneli if you going to call someone an idiot you should give out correct information, like someone else said babies being more dangerous is not true, adults are still more dangerous. both can control the amount of venom injected but babies dont produce as much as an adult so they would inject less venom. so adults are more dangerous.

but like everyone said let the rattler go it may not eat while you keep it and would just die.

You should let it go.

1. It is illegal to raise it, you would need a permit.

2. It is also illegal to sell it, you would also need a permit.

3. Why would you take it to the vet? Did you hurt it, most vets do not work with reptiles, let alone venomous.

Before you get bit, or worse, the snake dies... Let it go in an area with no people.

there is no best time of the year to catch D-backs since its illegal to disturb them. not only that they are very aggressive especially when caught they can throw a fang and possibly hurt itself or worse bite you. best thing to do is leave the snake alone

If you clumsy(be honest) then give away. It's not worth dying dude. But you should really give it to like a reserve or something, that you know will care for it correctly.

wait wait wait wait.........

YOU CAUGHT A RATTLESNAKE??????

Wow. Well approach it with EXTRA CARE!!!!!

Definitely do not keep it. Or sell it. Seek advice from your nearest vet. He may tell you to release it back to the wild. He may tell you to give it to the National Park.

JUST DON'T KEEP IT??? ALRIGHT???

You could have been hurt if not killed.