![]() ![]() Lycophidion capense_Common_Wolf_Snake_©_Tyrone_Ping_2020 A commonly kept pet snake by many amateur snake enthusiasts. When first caught they may bite and strike out readily which may draw blood but only superficial bite marks. ![]() Excellent at pest extermination, these snakes feeding mainly on rats, mice, lizards, birds and even bats have been recorded as prey. These snakes can be found in almost every environment from suburban gardens, forests, grasslands and including the drier arid regions of the Karoo. Easily distinguishable by the two white lines running down the side of the head. Many of these species have adapted well to these developed habitats and it is not uncommon to find a variety of species in well built up areas across South Africa.Īrguably one of the most common and widespread snakes in South Africa. These snakes can be found right across the country, from Fynbos Biome Succulent Karoo Biome Desert Biome Nama-Karoo Biome Grassland Biome Savanna Biome Albany Thicket Biome Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Forests as well as heavily developed land in the suburban and city environments. There are 72 species of non-venomous snakes and 50 mildly venomous(bites which do not require hospitalisation) snakes found in Southern Africa. This insert below will touch on these medically insignificant snakes, which include harmless (non-venomous) as well as the common mildly venomous snakes which the average South African may come across on a day-to-day basis. It’s important to keep in mind that juvenile snakes can look vastly different from adults.Following on the success of the Common Snakes of Durban post that was compiled here is a much broader spectrum to cover South Africa. Using some information from the Virginia Herpetological Society, here is a little about each snake and how to identify them. Five others are considered critically imperiled, including Delaware’s only venomous snake: the eastern copperhead. Three of them - the plain-bellied watersnake, scarletsnake and red cornsnake - are endangered. They’re secretive, burrowers, just plain tiny or all of the above.ĭELAWARE: How dire is plight of Bethany Beach firefly amid Sussex County development? The rest are rarely seen, for a variety of reasons. You’ll likely only ever see four of Delaware’s 19 species of snakes the eastern rat snake, black racer, common garter snake and common watersnake. Bites from Delaware's only venomous snake, the eastern copperhead, are uncommon, according to Nazdrowicz. Death from such bites is even rarer, but if you are bitten by a copperhead, seek medical attention immediately. If you're bitten by a snake, try to take a picture of it so it can be positively identified. If you encounter a snake and feel the need to force it to move along, you can do so safely with a garden hose, Nazdrowicz said. PLANTS: 5 poisonous plants to avoid in Delaware this summer, from poison ivy to spotted water hemlock “Snakes are less likely to move through low grass or sparsely vegetated areas because they feel exposed to avian predators,” Nazdrowicz said. Don’t feed pets or store birdseed outside. Don’t allow leaves to collect or pile sticks. Mow frequently and keep flower beds neat. To keep snakes out of your yard, make it less attractive to them and the species they eat. If you have noticed a snake hanging around your house, then your yard is likely providing these resources for the snake,” he said. “Snakes are found in areas that provide food, shelter and areas where they find it easy to regulate their body temperatures. If you’re one of them, Nazdrowicz has some recommendations for you. REPTILES: How 2 Delaware high school seniors are making their mark in turtle conservationīut many people, if not most, are afraid of snakes. “If you’re not afraid of them, the best thing to do is just leave them be,” Nazdrowicz said. Some feed on slugs that will eat your garden plants.”Īs part of the food web, they’re also food themselves for species like hawks and owls. “Several snakes feed on rodents that might tear up your lawn. “Many snakes prey on other species that we would consider pests so it’s beneficial to have them around,” Nazdrowicz said. They’re slithery, slimy and sneaky and can induce fear in even the bravest of today’s keyboard warriors.ĭelaware is home to 19 species of snakes, according to state herpetologist Nate Nazdrowicz, and the truth is, they're mostly harmless. Humanity’s primal fear of snakes reigns even in the meme age. Watch Video: Rare interaction between native bobcat, python documented in Florida ![]()
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