Hey everyone,
I have the opportunity to do a year long high school project in an area of my choice, and I decided to pick venomous snake mentoring. I'm not shooting for the full 1000 hours required by florida state law, but more 30-50 hours to decide if the full 1000 hours is something I'm willing to persue.

The only trouble I've been having is finding a good mentor. (Keyword; good). This is a school project in a field with some natural dangers associated, and they want to make sure I'm not going to get myself killed. One of the problems I've been having is the fact that Im 17, and won't turn 18 until the month the project is due. I know full well the risk involved in venomous snake training, and my parents are fully on board, I'm not starting this thread to get any harping on how I shouldn't be mucking around with hots.

So that brings me to my question, who are some good venomous snake mentors I could call for this project, keeping in mind I'm in the Orlando area of Florida (Though am willing to drive quite some distance for a good mentor)?

Carl Barden at Medtoxin aka Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand or George Van Horn at Serpentarium in St. Cloud would be a good start. They usually have people working with them also trying to acquire the hours so there may be a waiting list.

Carl Barden at Medtoxin aka Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand or George Van Horn at Serpentarium in St. Cloud would be a good start. They usually have people working with them also trying to acquire the hours so there may be a waiting list.

Originally the plan was to do it with Carl, but his attorney was unwilling to make an exception to his under 18 rule. I haven't contacted the Van Horns yet though.