A Snake In The Grass

[RDN]

Anyone know if this snake is dangerous or not? It was grass green (a light green) with small black dots or ovals - each about 1 or 2mm long. The body was about 3 feet long and 1 inch thick. It was very timid and slithered away when I got near it, even so I would like to know if it is dangerous or not (haven't told the g/f yet - she might freak out!).

Edited February 3, 2005 by RDN

[Welsh John]

Any of these take your fancy??

http://www.siam-info.de/english/snakes-en.html

[Sir Burr]

Have been checking my snake field guide. Can only find two snakes that fit your general description. These are:-

Indonesian Pit Viper - Venomous and found in the southern provinces of Thailand.

Wall's Bronzeback - Non-venomous.

Let us know if it was either of these two.

Edited February 4, 2005 by Sir Burr

[Sir Burr]

RDN,

If neither the Wall's Bronzeback or Indonesian Pit Viper is your snake, and if you were exagerating a little on it's thickness, your snake is probably a Golden Tree Snake. These are very common in Phuket, not venomous and not in the least aggressive. Have a feeling that this is more than likely your snake. The other two are not very common.

Edited February 4, 2005 by Sir Burr

[RDN]

Any of these take your fancy??

http://www.siam-info.de/english/snakes-en.html

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's the site that I had a look at before posting my question. I don't think any of them is like the one I saw, the closest looking one being the Red-tailed Rat Snake, which is a tree snake and fairly harmless - although described as "bite-happy"!

Have been checking my snake field guide. Can only find two snakes that fit your general description. These are:-

Indonesian Pit Viper - Venomous and found in the southern provinces of Thailand.

Wall's Bronzeback - Non-venomous.

Let us know if it was either of these two.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I had a look at the viper, but I'm sure the little black dots and ovals were not like the viper's marking, fortunately

Ditto the bronzeback - and also it's not quite such a bright green as the one I saw.

RDN,

If neither the Wall's Bronzeback or Indonesian Pit Viper is your snake, and if you were exagerating a little on it's thickness, your snake is probably a Golden Tree Snake. These are very common in Phuket, not venomous and not in the least aggressive. Have a feeling that this is more than likely your snake. The other two are not very common.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm pretty sure it was about an inch thick - it still looked thick as it slithered over to my neighbours front porch But it probably was one of the common tree snakes - I'll do a bit more searching on the web for pictures and see if I can find it.

The good thing is that it was quite timid, although it did give me a good "stare" when I got close. Anyway, I think I'll get the man to come and cut the grass again soon

[Sir Burr]

If you do find out what kind of snake it was, please post as I would be interested.

Have only seen three different species of snake in the garden over the last four years. These are cobra, golden tree snake and red-necked keel-back snake (known locally as a fire-head snake). I never kill any of the snakes I encounter, not even the very few that have got into the house.

Word of warning - If you should use a broom or other long implement to "guide" a cobra to an exit, the cobra will usually strike repeatedly at the broom handle. If you do not thoroughly wash off the venom with hot water, it can be absorbed through the skin. Dunno if you can absorb enough to kill you, but I know you can get very sick.

[LadyinRed]

RDN, I think I may have an idea what you are talking about.

I don't have the exact name, even my Thai neighbour can't give me it's name in Thai, but he said it's harmless (size about the same as you described.. with black bits.. some have white under-body - I'll explain below).

The ones that hang around my bit were in BUNCHES. Yes, they were twirling against each other on the top of the garage shed, between the metal support and roof.

For green snakes watch out for those with RED bits on their body.