Viperids
Venomous snakes — permit compulsory
The viperids comprise the vipers and rattlesnakes. Most are stocky, with a broad, triangular head housing large venom glands. These are venomous snakes equipped with long folding fangs, which they deploy to inject their venom in a fraction of a second. The family is present on almost every continent.
Keeping is very strictly regulated. In Switzerland, keeping a venomous snake requires a cantonal permit and strict security facilities. These are not pets: they are reserved for experienced, authorised keepers. This factsheet is purely informative.
A few emblematic members
The Gabon viper, with its incredible dead-leaf camouflage, has the longest fangs of any snake (up to 5 cm); it rarely bites, but its venom is powerful. American rattlesnakes shake the horny ring at the end of their tail (the rattle) to give warning before biting — a new segment is added with each slough. Most of these snakes are well camouflaged and do not attack: bites occur above all when they are startled or provoked.
Content from the Au Furet veterinary practice, rewritten for owners.
In Switzerland: cantonal permit Keeping venomous, dangerous or wild animals is subject to a cantonal permit issued by the veterinary office, with inspection of the facilities. Legal framework in detail →
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