Shedding a light on the composition, toxicity and potential therapeutic strategies of internationally relevant ophidotoxins

Among the four-thousand species of snakes currently known to taxonomists, around a fifth of them developed a peculiar hunting tactic based on injecting a toxic cocktail of compounds, generally referred to as “venom”, inside of their prey. This deadly mixture, produced in peculiar glands known as venom or Duvernoy's glands depending on the family, is introduced inside the prey through fangs, specifically designed teeth allowing the venom to reach deep into the victim. Although the principal idea behind this strategy is common to all venomous snakes, differences begin to emerge once things such as anatomy, venom composition and biological effect of specific ophidotoxins in different species are taken into account. In this report, such differences are taken into account and discussed, along with providing some relevant information on the current state of venomous snakes' taxonomy, anatomy and biology. A small focus will be dedicated, in particular, to species of national and international relevance, namely the Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) and the American Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus and other Crotalus spp.), which will be thoroughly discussed focusing also on an often-neglected aspect, namely venomous snakes' conservation. Knowing the threat that these venoms pose to both animal and human health is extremely important, and equally as important is knowing what to do and not to do in cases of envenomation. For this reason, the final chapter will be dedicated to discussing myths and proper practices of first aid. This part may be of particular interest for keepers and other professional figures engaging in direct and indirect contact with these animals. By touching on all these different topics, I aim to sensitize and educate the reader into understanding that, although these animals can be and will be dangerous if provoked, they are as worthy of comprehension and respect as any other living species.