Today I would like to share this interesting snake with you, the Brown House Snake.
Without doubt these are one of the most commonly found snakes in our gardens not only here on the Bluff but over the whole of South Africa and even most of Africa. These are harmless constrictors that do not posses fangs nor venom glands, however they do have some pretty sharp little teeth that they use for catching their prey. There average size is 90cm, however some specimens found in our area can reach up to 1,5 meters in length, although such large snakes are seldom found in the wild now days.
These snakes are harmless constrictors, feeding largely on mice and rats, this makes them very useful predators to keep around. Juveniles feed largely on lizards, specially geckos.
The Brown House Snake is on of the easiest snakes to identify, by these unique strips on the head. In our area these snakes are usually sandy brown to dark brown, sometimes with leopard type markings on the first half of the body, specially in juveniles. They have 2 light stripes on either side of the head, one that runs from the nose through the upper part of the eye and sometimes continuing through three quarters of the body. The other stripe runs from the lower half of the eye to the angle of the mouth. These stripes distinguish these snakes apart from any other snake found in South Africa.
There is absolutely NO good reason that I can think of for killing this species of snake. When first disturbed they do strike out viciously and bite, larger specimens can even draw blood, however it is no worse than getting an injection from your doctor.
Please do not attempt to handle any snake unless you are absolutely sure of what you are handling and PLEASE do not kill them as they are also God’s amazing creates and have a plan and purpose just like we do.
Please feel free to visit my Photography page for more pictures of God’s amazing little creatures found in and around the Bluff: www.facebook.com/WkDickPhotography
