• We have updated the guidelines regarding posting political content: please see the stickied thread on Website Issues.

Snakes (General; Miscellaneous)

I don't know about the Komodo, but the Perentie's mouth is bacteria laden due to it's consumption of carrion.

As kids, we believed that any bite from a Goanna would fester and erupt every year on the anniversary of the bite. Also, that if you stood still, a Goanna would run up and climb a person if there wasn't a tree handy.

Their claws are things of nightmares.
This is what I was talking about:

1634553018776.png
 
When an Iowa workman raised a well's pipe out of the ground he found it covered in snakes.

well-snakes-Iowa.jpg
Worker finds malfunctioning water well was full of snakes

A utility worker doing maintenance on a faulty water well in Iowa raised a pipe from the well and discovered it was covered in more than a half dozen snakes.

Latimer-based Mort's Water Company said the worker ... was greeted by 8-9 bull snakes slithering on the structure. ...

The company said in a Facebook post the snakes had apparently slithered into the well "through the top of a poorly sealed well casing."

Mort's Water Company said the snakes were a surprising sight, but they were not the cause of the well's issue. The problem turned out to be a pump and motor in need of repair, the business said.

Bull snakes can grow up to 6 feet long, but they are non-venomous ...
FULL STORY: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/10/27/Iowa-well-snakes-Morts-Water-Company/7361635355335/
 
One of the world's most poisonous snakes found in Salford:
News story

It was in a consignment of bricks from Pakistan. The RSPCA guy had to wear a special suit to catch it! And it looks so innocent in the photo.
 
I would've picked that for a python.
 
I posted this to my weekly weird newsletter today.
https___bucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com_public_images_57e47a11...png

A Thai animal keeper found an interesting snake specimen in a swampy area in Sakhan Nakhan province. A video of the animal was posted to social media. It shows a water snake covered in what appears to be green hair. It’s quite strange and striking leading people to speculate about it being a previously unknown animal, a hoax, or a genuine anomaly. When I couldn’t find any credible info in the articles online, I posted to my knowledgeable Twitter neighborhood asking for professional input about the furry snake. More than one person said the snake was covered with green “hair” algae. Normally the snake would shed and this would not be an issue, but there may be some problem with this animal where it cannot shed or that the algae growth was particularly rapid. Another helpful commenter provided the link to the type of snake in the video. Thai wildlife investigator Nick Chomngam posted to his YouTube channel a video showing him examining the snake in person. He identifies it as Homalopsis nigroventralis (Deuve’s Water Snake, also known as “Deuve’s Mud Snake” or the “Mekong Masked Water Snake”). The video is in Thai, so I miss his commentary, but it definitely is an algae issue. This snake inhabits stagnant waters loaded with algae growth that seems to have coated the scales of the snake, but not its belly. Other snakes in shallow water environments may also experience algae growth but this is an extreme case. Here is a clip of the Chomngam video: https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxNmqwXLBvrTRGF5SWJNsByH_jYGFAfDJ5
 
That's amazing! Pretty much a symbiosis.
 
Venomous or not it must still have been a shock for Martin to find it.

A woman who returned home to find a snake in her back garden has said the incident left her "traumatised".

Helen Martin, from Sherborne, Dorset, received a call from her husband, Lee, on Monday after he heard hissing while putting out the rubbish. She said she thought he "probably meant a slow worm" but soon realised he was not exaggerating. A local reptile enthusiast removed the reptile which had taken refuge in the couple's shed.

Mrs Martin, who detests snakes, said: "I can't even walk past them in the zoo." ...

Mrs Martin said the enthusiast thought the reptile was a bullsnake, which is native to North America and can grow up to 8ft (2.4m) long.

However, the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) group, based in Bournemouth, Dorset, said it was likely to be a Northern water snake - a non-venomous grass snake from North America. ...

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-61104973


 
We grew up with snakes in the basement to eat the mice. They liked to come up and lie on the back of the couch in the winter. My brother loved to carry them around. We lived in the mountains in a rural village. A university art professor brought his students out to our village to paint one weekend. They were everyewhere along the highway and in our driveway. One woman had the nerve to climb through our barbed wire fence and set up in my mother's strawberries (we lived next to the highway). My brother saw her and stood behind her telling her "You are in my mother's strawberries. You should not be here." She waved him off like she was much more important than a little boy. He got next to her and repeated himself a little louder. She looke over to see a 6 year old with a snake hanging around his neck and one on his arm. The snakes, of course, stuck their tounges in her face to smell her. She was gone very quickly, actually screamed too. My brother thought it was fine entertainment and walked up the highway speaking to each artist. Most of them never came back but for a while there were two or three that would come, just stayed clear of our property. The snakes are called bull snakes. They will bite but they are not poisionous and they are mild mannered. Very good for keeping the rodents under control.
 
A Georgia man's video shows a king snake eating a larger rattlesnake, illustrating how snakes are able to consume prey larger than they are.
Snake caught eating even bigger snake in striking new video

A daring snake with a big appetite was recently caught in the act of chowing down on an even larger snake. Video footage showed the ravenous reptile as it swallowed a venomous relative headfirst in a mighty gulp.

The unusual sight was filmed in Haddock, Georgia by 82-year-old Tom Slagle, who was surprised to find the entwined serpents near his mailbox; the gruesome meal was already underway when Slagle began recording it. On June 8, officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources shared the video on Facebook (opens in new tab), with the caption: "It's a snake eat snake world out there." ...

In the video, an eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) can be seen slowly moving its flexible lower jaw down the body of a much girthier timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) — the rattlesnake's head and part of its body have already been swallowed. As the larger snake does not appear to be moving at all, it was likely killed by the kingsnake before being eaten. ...
FULL STORY (With Video): https://www.livescience.com/kingsnake-eats-rattlesnake-video
 
Don't Panic!

People should not be alarmed by an increased number of snake sightings, a council has said.

Sightings have been reported around Bridgend county, but particularly in the Rest Bay area of Porthcawl.

A woman whose dog was bitten by an adder has said she would not take her dogs near long grass.

A Cardiff University snake expert said we should be "celebrating, not fearing" the animals, but urged dog owners to be cautious.

Bridgend council has reassured residents there is "very little risk of harm" from native snake species.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62344937
 
Snake (skating?) on a window.

A woman was shocked to wake up from a nap and see a snake trying to slither into her room through an open window.

She took a photo of it, then ran out of her bedroom in Basildon, Essex, and called the RSPCA. Animal rescue officer Enola Evans searched the bedroom before finding the three-foot long reptile in the window frame, and identifying it as a harmless corn snake. The charity said it would be rehomed if its owner did not come forward.

"It's not every day you get woken up by a snake trying to get into your bedroom through a window - the woman was terribly shocked," said Ms Evans. However, when she arrived at the house on Hereford Walk, the snake was initially nowhere to be seen, despite a thorough search of the room.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-63370819
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jim
Snake in a car.

A corn snake has been rescued from a car after a delivery driver noticed it hanging out of the dashboard.

Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue said it received a call from the driver at about 09:00 BST on Wednesday. He had pulled over at a service station on the A38 near Willington, Derbyshire, after spotting the stowaway. Lindsay Newell, who runs the sanctuary, said the non-venomous snake was now safe, despite not being happy about being moved.

The car was being taken from a car dealership in Tipton, in the West Midlands, to its new owner in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-65359409
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jim
Snake in a car.

A corn snake has been rescued from a car after a delivery driver noticed it hanging out of the dashboard.

Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue said it received a call from the driver at about 09:00 BST on Wednesday. He had pulled over at a service station on the A38 near Willington, Derbyshire, after spotting the stowaway. Lindsay Newell, who runs the sanctuary, said the non-venomous snake was now safe, despite not being happy about being moved.

The car was being taken from a car dealership in Tipton, in the West Midlands, to its new owner in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-65359409
they are beautiful snakes and one of the most northerly constrictors.

1683058883074.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A small snake but still ...

A foot-long (0.3m) snake has been captured in a pillowcase after it was discovered by an unsuspecting resident in his flat.

The king snake was found in the home in Fosse Road North, Leicester, on Saturday evening. The RSPCA said the reptile, which was collected by an officer the next day, appeared to have been "well handled".

The charity has now put up posters in the area in the hope of reuniting the non-venomous snake with its owner.

It said the snake was being cared for in a specialist facility until the owner was found but would be rehomed if the search was not successful.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-65612983
 
A small snake but still ...

A foot-long (0.3m) snake has been captured in a pillowcase after it was discovered by an unsuspecting resident in his flat.

The king snake was found in the home in Fosse Road North, Leicester, on Saturday evening. The RSPCA said the reptile, which was collected by an officer the next day, appeared to have been "well handled".

The charity has now put up posters in the area in the hope of reuniting the non-venomous snake with its owner.

It said the snake was being cared for in a specialist facility until the owner was found but would be rehomed if the search was not successful.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-65612983
My daughter has a king snake. They are common pets and good escape artists. Very easy-going.
 
You never know what's in the long grass.

A woman is appealing for people to be vigilant and not to wear flip-flops in long grass after she was bitten by an adder.

Tracey Evans ended up in hospital after being bitten on her big toe by the venomous snake in Alver Valley Country Park in Gosport on Sunday. She had gone out early to walk her dogs because she was preparing for her daughter's surprise birthday party.

Ms Evans ended up missing the party and was still in hospital two days later.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-65676153
 
Tiptoe through the cabbages.

Viperine Snake
IMAGE SOURCE, GSPCA Image caption, Tiny Tim had stowed away with cabbages from Spain

An animal welfare charity reported two stowaway snakes from Mexico and Spain had been recovered in Guernsey.

The GSPCA said a viperine snake, which they called Tiny Tim, had stowed away with cabbages from Spain.

The charity also received a call from islanders who had just returned from a holiday in Mexico, and had brought home with them a salmon bellied racer snake.

GSPCA manager, Steve Byrne, said receiving two stowaway snake calls in one week was "very unusual".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-guernsey-65732013
 
Rolling down the river.

Snake spotted swimming along Derbyshire river​

The first observation of a grass snake in an area of Derbyshire for 11 years has been welcomed by a wildlife trust. The reptile was filmed swimming in the River Derwent in Belper on Monday.

Johnathan Brocklehurst was visiting Belper River Gardens with his family when he spotted the snake.

"I decided to have a look over the River Derwent as there were lots of baby fish to see and then all of a sudden I spotted the grass snake swimming across the river towards me," he said. "I quickly got my mobile out, clicked on record and couldn't believe my eyes. It's the first time I ever seen such a lovely creature in an open area. It was so exciting to see it."

Kieron Huston, biodiversity planning and policy manager at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said it was the first time a grass snake had been seen in the area since 2017.

"It's really great that we've had an observation," he said. "I think the size of grass snakes sometimes alarms people but they are completely harmless to us."

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-derbyshire-65825936
 
I very much doubt that he could keep 20 snakes under control at all times.

A man who takes his snakes to sunbathe in his local park has sparked an online debate about what animals are - and are not - acceptable in public spaces.

The Friends of Barshaw Park group said it had been contacted by people who were worried about someone taking up to 20 of the reptiles to the Paisley park. It urged anyone who saw the snakes to call the police.

Far from being horrified, many locals have defended the snake owner - who appears to be a regular visitor.

They said he was clearly doing no harm and kept his snakes under control at all times, and questioned why the police would need to get involved.

snake
IMAGE SOURCE ,MARGARET WINTERS Image caption, Some people using the park said the snakes were always kept under control

Photos of the man posted on social media show him happily posing with the snakes draped around his neck or standing close to them as they slithered on the grass.

But the Friends group said in a post on its Facebook page that it had been told by the local council that "no-one has permission to bring snakes into Barshaw Park".

It added: "The police request that if you see anyone in the park with snakes, please do not approach the person but call the police on 101 and they will attend".

A woman who responded to the warning said she had met the man a couple of times with her kids.

She added: "Really nice guy, answered the 1,001 questions we had about snakes. The snakes were under control and enjoying a little sunbathe.

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council confirmed: "Non domestic pets such as snakes should not be brought into our parks and consent has not been provided for this to take place."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-65931360
 

Snake dies trying to swallow hedgehog whole in Israel​

Israel Nature and Parks Authority ecologist called to the scene explains snake tried to prey upon hedgehog, however, as it decided to abandon its unconventional meal, it became painfully aware of its error​





A black whipsnake met its end after attempting to swallow a hedgehog whole in the heart of the central Israeli town of Shoham. Unfortunately, the hedgehog didn't survive the encounter either.

Passersby noticed the black snake lying motionless on the grass while walking their dogs, clutching a hedgehog in its mouth. Aviad Bar, an Israel Nature and Parks Authority ecologist specializing in reptiles, was called to the scene. He identified the snake as a nonvenomous Dolichophis jugularis known as a black whipsnake.


הנחש והקיפוד המתים בשוהם

The black whipsnake and the hedgehog

(Photo: Israel Nature and Parks Authority)

"From analyzing the situation, which involved a hedgehog found inside a snake's coils, it seems that the snake tried to eat the hedgehog.
However, as soon as it decided to abandon its unconventional meal, it became clear that it had made a grave error," Bar said.

"The hedgehog's sharp quills prevented the snake from releasing its prey, resulting in a tragic ending for both the snake and the hedgehog."

In Israel, there are three species of hedgehogs, collectively populating the entire country. Their diverse diet includes insects, small invertebrates, birds and even snakes.

According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the black whipsnake belongs to the colubrid snake family and is one of the longer snakes found in Israel.

This nonvenomous snake, due to its significant appetite, is considered beneficial as it helps control various pests, including venomous snakes, within its range.

The black desert snake is an active and common snake in Israel, and like all Israeli snakes, it is a protected species.

הנחש ניסה לפלוט את הקיפוד, אך לא הצליח


(Photo: Israel Nature and Parks Authority)

There are 41 snake species in Israel, with the majority posing no threat to humans. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority emphasized that only nine snake species in the country are venomous.

Snakes use their venom for hunting or self-defense against predators.

Although snakes have often been associated with traits like cruelty and sneakiness, the reality is quite different.

Snakes play a crucial role in preserving the ecological balance of their habitats.

They significantly contribute to controlling populations of pests and other harmful creatures, proving their importance in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/bjpq00wixp
 
Beware of the red red-bellied black snakes.

On Thursday, an Australian woman was startled to find a huge, potentially dangerous red-bellied black snake hanging from her fridge's water and ice dispenser.

Gail Auricht discovered the uninvited intruder, estimated to be about 80 centimeters (31 inches) long, on January 13 in the outdoor entertainment area of her home in the Adelaide Hills. It seems the snake was seeking some cool relief from the scorching heat and ended up a bit stuck. Luckily, Gail kept calm and her neighbors contacted a professional snake catcher who safely removed the reptile.

This event attracted quite a bit of attention, both locally and nationally. Not that this particular snake has taken all the spotlight.

Elsewhere in Australia this week, the same species has been spotted hiding under a restaurant's coffee machine, and on the day that Gail's ice dispenser became a snake dispenser, another managed to hitch a ride on a Rural Fire Service vehicle.

Red-bellied black snakes (Pseudechis porphyriacus), known for their glossy black backs and distinctive, bright underbellies, are commonly encountered on the east coast of Australia.

https://www.sciencealert.com/venomo...e-water-dispenser-in-a-horrifying-development
 
Beware of the red red-bellied black snakes.

On Thursday, an Australian woman was startled to find a huge, potentially dangerous red-bellied black snake hanging from her fridge's water and ice dispenser.

Gail Auricht discovered the uninvited intruder, estimated to be about 80 centimeters (31 inches) long, on January 13 in the outdoor entertainment area of her home in the Adelaide Hills. It seems the snake was seeking some cool relief from the scorching heat and ended up a bit stuck. Luckily, Gail kept calm and her neighbors contacted a professional snake catcher who safely removed the reptile.

This event attracted quite a bit of attention, both locally and nationally. Not that this particular snake has taken all the spotlight.

Elsewhere in Australia this week, the same species has been spotted hiding under a restaurant's coffee machine, and on the day that Gail's ice dispenser became a snake dispenser, another managed to hitch a ride on a Rural Fire Service vehicle.

Red-bellied black snakes (Pseudechis porphyriacus), known for their glossy black backs and distinctive, bright underbellies, are commonly encountered on the east coast of Australia.

https://www.sciencealert.com/venomo...e-water-dispenser-in-a-horrifying-development
Red Bellys are the good fellas around here.

They are predictable (they love water), they are not the most forward of snakes (they'd rather run and hide) and they do NOT like the Eastern Brown, which will chase you and has a potent venom. It's usual diet is frogs...and Eastern Browns

They are beautiful looking snakes - especially after moult. All in all, if you have to have a venomous Joe Blake around the joint, the black snake is the preferred one.
 
Back
Top