what does a “hot” mean?
Hello and thank you for asking this!
The term “hot” refers to a venomous animal in the reptile hobby. We usually use it to identify dangerous reptiles, such as rattlesnakes, cobras, vipers, beaded lizards, etc. and we may also apply the term to spiders and scorpions with medically significant venom.
An emperor scorpion or hognose snake, for example, is technically venomous but would not usually be considered a “hot” because their venom is very mild and would at most result in relatively mild discomfort for most keepers.
By contrast, a bite from a copperhead or a sting from a fat-tailed scorpion would very likely result in hospitalization and could even be fatal if left untreated. These animals are both certainly “hots” and are deserving of the respect and care necessary to prevent an unfortunate incident.
Common consensus is that hots should probably not be kept by the general public, but this doesn’t stop hundreds of private hobbyists from seeking and purchasing highly venomous animals; most legally, some not so much. Pretty much all sellers will advise buyers that they will need appropriate licensing to keep venomous species, but ultimately the responsibility is on the purchaser to understand their local laws, to have a secure enclosure, and to be aware of proper handling and husbandry of venomous species.
I hope that this helps clarify and I’d like to emphasize that I am not passing judgement on anyone who does appropriately and legally keep venomous species.