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Hi

I was told by the game ranger this is a tiger snake and very venomous.

can anyone tell me more about this snake?

Have just looked up the "Eastern Tiger Snake" - Telescopus semiannulatus in "Snakes & other Reptiles of Southern Africa" by Bill Branch. I think the ID is correct. The venom is mild & innocuous to man. Average length 55-80cm.

The tiger snake is a nocturnal snake, which is not venomous for a human. It does contain a mild venoum though.

It is usualy seen at night on tar roads after some good rain. It hunts mice, small reptiles and even bats.

When cornered it reacts very impressively by raising its head and striking numerous times.

Truely a beautifull creature!

Thier bite can cause amild swelling and a bit of a headache.
Being a colibrid (rear fanged) the do tend to 'chew' on you when biting due to their short rear fangs.

What a beautiful speciamen!
Never been so luck in my life to see one "live" ...

On Sunday evening we found this guy/girl in Marloth (our 8th type of snake and 11th encounter in 1 ½ years in Marloth )

Larger view

Larger view

Some facts on this snake (taken from “A complete guide to the snakes of Southern Africa”, Johan Marais)

There are two subspecies found in Southern Africa: The Eastern Tiger Snake and Damara Tiger Snake. The later has more dark blotches on its body and tail and are found in Namibia and the Richtersveld.

The average for an adult is between 50-80 cm. (Ours was about 50 cm)
Its colour varies from orange-pink to dull salmon pink with dark blotches on its body and tail. The Eastern subspecies has between 20 to 50 blotches where as the Darama subspecies has between 52 to 75 blotches. Its head is distinct from its body and it has large eyes with vertical pupils.

This is a nocturnal snake that is most often seen in summer, after rains (as we had on Sunday evening). They often cross tarred road after rains and thus many are killed. In the day they hide in rock crevices and under the bark of trees.

As WTM mentioned, when cornered it might put up an aggressive display, striking viciously.

They are oviparous, laying their eggs in summer.

They are of no danger to man.

What a snake! ...and what an awesome experience to see one! I am yet to see one myself...

It really is a beauty!!! What an amazing snake!!!
Damn I'd like to see one live for myself!!!

Very nice pics "Jumbo"!!!

This one wanted to share our braai in Oct this year, bank of the Crocodile River.

Took this some time ago thought I'd share

Excellent photo, Nannie. Where did you find this specimen?

Thanks Mfezi,at our home in Marloth Park.