Because sometimes what you need most is to marvel at the sight of an enormous python coiling and uncoiling its long, muscular body to clime up a coconut tree in Thailand. It’s snek parkour:
Habitat: Found mainly in lower montane wet forests & cloud forests of the highlands of western Ecuador, at 1,300-
2,000 m elevation; among herbaceous plants, shrubs & trees (typically in margins of forest edges or
clearings).
Activity and
Behavior: Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial, usually found on forest floor & near a stream or body of water. Prey mainly
on rodents, lizards, or various other available prey. Captured specimens have been observed to bear 6-
36 live young, each about 18 cm long.
Venom Characteristics: Potent hemotoxic venom, envenomation by 3 closely-related species in this genus have caused human
deaths, frequently cause severe necrosis, & may lead to amputation of human limbs.
Habitat: Found almost exclusively in lower montane wet forests & cloud forests of the Pacific slopes of the Andes
in western Columbia, at 800-2,000+ m elevation.
Activity and Behavior: Not well known. Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial. Prey mainly on available small mammals, lizards, &
sometimes birds. Closely-related species are all ovoviviparous, but there is one report that this species
lays eggs (& “broods” them).
Venom Characteristics: Not much known. One reported bite by a juvenile of this species caused grade IV envenomation (the
most severe stage), w/ renal complications, thrombosis, & necrosis.
This gorgeous yellow-faced whipsnake (Demansia psammophis) found his was into a bedroom in Anstead. While only mildly venomous to people, a bite from a large individual might cause complications. Cats & dogs are much more susceptible and if you suspect a bite, call your vet immediately for advice, signs to look for include tremors/paralysis of the back legs, excessive/no saliva, abnormal sized pupils which don’t respond to torch light, sudden collapse, nausea, and of course bleeding or bite marks (hard to find among deep fur). Thinking it might be something more troublesome, homeowners simply closed the door & made sure the exits were blocked, keeping pets & people away until we arrived. This gorgeous little guy found a new home in some woodlands nearby 🙂
A rather well fed looking eastern brown snake! This one made it’s way into a downstairs bedroom in a house in Oxley. Our client saw some snake like movement in the ensuite, calmly backing out and closing the door, stuffing the gap at the bottom with a rolled towel. We found this beautiful, healthy snake in the attached wardrobe, hiding among the shoe racks. Stunning snake, even managed a few good photos on this hot morning callout 🙂
THAT is the common-sense way to deal with a venomous snake in your house. Back away, block off the door, call professionals to come get it, and let them take it outside with no harm.
Especially with the second most venomous snake in the world.
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