Snake

[Tywais]

Just stepped out of my computer room into the living room and found this guy staring at me. I'm a wus when it comes to snakes and it doesn't matter to me if they are dangerous or not, I treat it the same way - extreme trepidation.

I live right next to a rice field and think this is called a rice snake. Yes or no. In this case I assume it is not dangerous due to the shape of it's head? It's about 5-6cm long. I put on some rubber gloves and held it with a broom while I picked it up by its tail and put it outside. Went into panic mode when it decided to scurry across the floor sideways, it was a fast mover.

Just bad experience with snakes when younger.

[Pink Mist]

Just stepped out of my computer room into the living room and found this guy staring at me. I'm a wus when it comes to snakes and it doesn't matter to me if they are dangerous or not, I treat it the same way - extreme trepidation.

I live right next to a rice field and think this is called a rice snake. Yes or no. In this case I assume it is not dangerous due to the shape of it's head? It's about 5-6cm long. I put on some rubber gloves and held it with a broom while I picked it up by its tail and put it outside. Went into panic mode when it decided to scurry across the floor sideways, it was a fast mover.

Just bad experience with snakes when younger.

mate you have just broken every rule in the book when it comes to handling reptiles

you dont pick em up for a start

gloves wont help

leave them alone and they will leave you alone

[Tywais]

mate you have just broken every rule in the book when it comes to handling reptiles

you dont pick em up for a start

gloves wont help

leave them alone and they will leave you alone

I agree if it was outside but it is in the living room where people are walking around bare foot. The problem was that I nearly stepped on him so the 'leave him alone' part nearly didn't happen right off. His head was kept held immoble with the broom and picked up by the tail. Probably watching Discover channel too much.

The bottom line is that I could not allow it to stay running around the house (would never be able to sleep). Would you just let it stay living in the house with you?

[Old Man River]

mate you have just broken every rule in the book when it comes to handling reptiles

you dont pick em up for a start

gloves wont help

leave them alone and they will leave you alone

I agree if it was outside but it is in the living room where people are walking around bare foot. The problem was that I nearly stepped on him so the 'leave him alone' part nearly didn't happen right off. His head was kept held immoble with the broom and picked up by the tail. Probably watching Discover channel too much.

The bottom line is that I could not allow it to stay running around the house (would never be able to sleep). Would you just let it stay living in the house with you?

Tywais, in Bangkok we have a number of the BMA to call, and if not available, then the local police. They will come out and remove the misguided snake to a place where neither the snake can hurt anyone or vice a versa. No cost, but a THB 100 per person tip is never turned down. If you haven't already, you might ask around and see if a similar service is available in Chaing Mai.

Best regards,

[tigerbeer]

same kind of snake comes into our house a lot. dunno poisonous or not but would like someone to confirm this.

[sbk]

Had my husband have a look, he's never seen it before, guess its not a southern native, sorry .

Get a snakes in thailand book so you can identify the next little visitor BEFORE picking it up!

[Tywais]

Had my husband have a look, he's never seen it before, guess its not a southern native, sorry .

Get a snakes in thailand book so you can identify the next little visitor BEFORE picking it up!

In hind site you and bronco are probably right. The problem is that it was only 1 meter away from my computer desk and the idea of it crawing under it where I put my feet, well - why the rather dumb move on my part. At first I thought it was just a stick until it flicked its tongue. It didn't move at all when I got close to it, before I noticed it wasn't a stick.

[toastwars]

It is a little hard to see from your photo but if it has a small black tear marking below its eye it is a Red necked Keelbeck Snake in Thai "Ngoo Lie Sam"

Pretty venomous and quite aggresive

Lucky boy.

[geoffphuket]

Hi Tywais

Whatever it is, it looks as if it's only a baby. I discovered a baby cobra in my garden last year and on closer inspection, found all it's brothers and sisters I should have a very good look around to see if it's on it's own or not....you could be in for a nasty surprise

[jdinasia]

So far ... no snakes in my house yet! Given the situation I would have tossed it outside too! However I would have pinned its head and picked it up behind the head and not from the tail I was startled by a monitor lizard on the road today though ... skinny ... very long 3-4' missed the photo op though

[Tywais]

Hi Tywais

Whatever it is, it looks as if it's only a baby. I discovered a baby cobra in my garden last year and on closer inspection, found all it's brothers and sisters I should have a very good look around to see if it's on it's own or not....you could be in for a nasty surprise

Now I'm getting paranoid. My original post of its size was wrong, closer to 30cm long but really thin. The tiles in the picture are 1 foot x 1 foot.

[Tywais]

Since the subject of snakes has come up on a few occasions I thought I would add this article here:

"by Joan Riesland

Harmless and poisonous snakes abound in Thailand; especially anywhere there is water and/or foliage. To answer important questions about snakes and snake bites, I contacted the Thai Red Cross Snake Farm and spoke with Dr. Montri Chiewbumrungkiat; D.V.M. Following is the current treatment and most up-to-date information that he shared with me:

Treating Snake Bites:

If you are bitten or helping someone whom has been bitten:

1. Wash the wound with soap and water thoroughly; then look for fang marks.

2. If fang marks are seen, immobilize the area with a splint and ace wrap, or some sort of board-like material and cloth wrap, creating equal pressure above, over, and below the fang marks. Research shows that the poison is absorbed through the lymph system and the use of a tourniquet (old method) actually increases the rapidity of poison absorption. A pressure dressing supports the area and decreases swelling.

3. Maintain the affected part in a neutral or elevated position, even as high as the heart. This also minimizes swelling and has been found to help the victim.

4. Assist the victim to a vehicle for transportation to the closest hospital.

5. If possible, reach the hospital within 30 minutes after being bitten.

6. Anti-venom may or may not be given, but whether the muscles or central nervous system is affected, the hospital will have the proper equipment and medications to support you through the recovery process.

7. If the snake is captured and killed, the body can be brought to the hospital (later if need be) to assist the doctor in determining the proper treatment.

There are about 50 poisonous snakes in Thailand – about half live on land and the other half in the water, including the ocean. Dr. Montri reports that the seven most poisonous of these snakes are the Cobra, King Cobra, Branded Krait, Russell Viper, Malayan Pit Viper, Green Pit Viper, and Malayan Krais. The snake farm in Bangkok makes anti-venom for the first six snakes. Because scientists have not been able to obtain enough Malayan Krait venom, there is no anti-venom for this snake. Most victims are observed for symptoms; and if treated in a hospital, usually survive.

When asked about the so called “two-step” snake (a snake whose venom is so deadly that it can kill you before you walk two steps after the bite), Dr. Montri said that actually, 99.9% of the time one has at least half an hour to obtain treatment. But he has heard of one case where someone died in less than five minutes from a very large King Cobra bite. He emphasized, however, that this was very unusual.

Avoiding Snake Bites:

Snakes see better at night. They “have no external ears and are deaf to sounds.” Snakes perceive your presence or approach by “the vibrations conveyed through the ground” and smell through their tongues (About Snakes, Thai Red Cross pamphlet, p.1).

Therefore, remember these safety tips paraphrased from About Snakes:

Snakes are more afraid of humans than humans are of snakes, and they will move when you move (Mine didn't move until touched with the broom). If you see a snake, just stand still and wait until the snake passes or move very slowly away.

Walk on clear paths as much as possible, using a flashlight or torch after dark.

Avoid sleeping on the ground.

Don’t put your hands or feet in places where you cannot check visibly for snakes first; e.g. avoid lifting a rock or fallen tree with your hands.

Don’t gather firewood after dark.

Don’t sit down without first looking around.

Don’t crawl under a fence in high grass.

Don’t go out of your way to find the snake to kill it.

Joan Riesland, RNC, is a nurse educated in the United States

[TBWG]

Just stepped out of my computer room into the living room and found this guy staring at me. I'm a wus when it comes to snakes and it doesn't matter to me if they are dangerous or not, I treat it the same way - extreme trepidation.

I live right next to a rice field and think this is called a rice snake. Yes or no. In this case I assume it is not dangerous due to the shape of it's head? It's about 5-6cm long. I put on some rubber gloves and held it with a broom while I picked it up by its tail and put it outside. Went into panic mode when it decided to scurry across the floor sideways, it was a fast mover.

Just bad experience with snakes when younger.

Hi Tywais

Looks to me like a tree snake not poisionous and great climbers!! Unfortunately seperated by 6000 miles from my Thai snakes book so cannot confirm precisely.

TBWG

[geoffphuket]

Just stepped out of my computer room into the living room and found this guy staring at me. I'm a wus when it comes to snakes and it doesn't matter to me if they are dangerous or not, I treat it the same way - extreme trepidation.

I live right next to a rice field and think this is called a rice snake. Yes or no. In this case I assume it is not dangerous due to the shape of it's head? It's about 5-6cm long. I put on some rubber gloves and held it with a broom while I picked it up by its tail and put it outside. Went into panic mode when it decided to scurry across the floor sideways, it was a fast mover.

Just bad experience with snakes when younger.

Hi Tywais

Looks to me like a tree snake not poisionous and great climbers!! Unfortunately seperated by 6000 miles from my Thai snakes book so cannot confirm precisely.

TBWG

I'd disagree, tree snakes are green ...heres one I caught earlier

[tigerbeer]

Just stepped out of my computer room into the living room and found this guy staring at me. I'm a wus when it comes to snakes and it doesn't matter to me if they are dangerous or not, I treat it the same way - extreme trepidation.

I live right next to a rice field and think this is called a rice snake. Yes or no. In this case I assume it is not dangerous due to the shape of it's head? It's about 5-6cm long. I put on some rubber gloves and held it with a broom while I picked it up by its tail and put it outside. Went into panic mode when it decided to scurry across the floor sideways, it was a fast mover.

Just bad experience with snakes when younger.

Hi Tywais

Looks to me like a tree snake not poisionous and great climbers!! Unfortunately seperated by 6000 miles from my Thai snakes book so cannot confirm precisely.

TBWG

I'd disagree, tree snakes are green ...heres one I caught earlier

anyone able to identify this snake. it looks harmless though. every month or so, we see a couple of them in the house and two of my kids play in the compound quite often.

[Farma]

He's a bit hard to identify from the pic so i'd suggest you may be able to identify him on the ecologyasia web site.

From what i can see he could possibly be a painted bronzeback. http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/pa..._bronzeback.htm

The keelbeck has similar features too.

I definately don't recommend picking up any snakes the way you did. I have a close friend who is now missing a finger and had plenty of experience of ICU by doing the same as you did.

[geoffphuket]

He's a bit hard to identify from the pic so i'd suggest you may be able to identify him on the ecologyasia web site.

From what i can see he could possibly be a painted bronzeback. http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/pa..._bronzeback.htm

The keelbeck has similar features too.

I definately don't recommend picking up any snakes the way you did. I have a close friend who is now missing a finger and had plenty of experience of ICU by doing the same as you did.

The green tree snake that I picked up (see photo) was definately harmless....it was dead, the cat brought it in

[Farma]

No worries geoffphuket. My comment on picking up snakes was aimed more at Crocodile Dundee Tywais who i am sure now knows how lucky he was not to be bitten.

[Sir Burr]

I also think the first picture is a Common, or, Painted Bronzeback.

The one being handled is a Golden Tree Snake.

[Tywais]

No worries geoffphuket. My comment on picking up snakes was aimed more at Crocodile Dundee Tywais who i am sure now knows how lucky he was not to be bitten.

Very funny.

To be honest I don't know what my options were and would be interested in how others would have handled it in case it happens again. Just couldn't let it roam around the living room and computer room. The worrysome thing was that it didn't move as I approached it which meant someone could accidently step on it. I tried to use a broom and sweep it out but that is when it did move and fast.

[phibunmike]

Here's another one - if anyone can identify it I would be interested... a bit over 2m long... live in the middle of rice fields...

[phibunmike]

Here's another one - if anyone can identify it I would be interested... a bit over 2m long... live in the middle of rice fields...

Family members say my snake is a "ngoo sing" which eats fish and snakes and is not venomous, worth about 100 baht in the market...

What is the Latin name anyone ? Or English name ?

[bina]

NEVER PICK UP A SNAKE BY THE TAIL!! NEVER TRY TO PICK UP A SNAKE!!

most snake bites occur BECAUSE some guy was afraid of the snake and went to pick it up...

best is to get professional help, or kill it . we have vipers every where so often, my rule is: when snake is too near or in the house, kill first, queestion after. if it is outside, then dont go near and let it go.

some of our vipers play dead; just like a rubber watering hose, or stick.

CURIOUS ABOUT THOSE NEW INSTRUCTIONS. WE WERE TOLD TO KEEP BITTEN AREA LOWER THAN HEART. MAYBE DEPENDS ON TYPE OF TOXIN?

oops sorry for caps> there are several types of toxins: in the desert we have snakes with different venoms: some work on the flesh around the wound, some affect the blood etc... the season/age of snake, age/metabolism etc of the victim , all affect the outcome of being bitten.

most important, and it wasnt written inthe instructions: KEEP VICTIM CALM, AND/OR BRING THE HELP TO THE VICTIM OR CARRY/DRIVE THE VICTIM TO GET HELP... walk, dont run. in thailand, unlike here (israel) the chance of u being no where near an other person are pretty slim... so u dont have to hike yourself out of the desert alone.

howmany snake bites are there (reported) in thailand????

[Farma]

tywais it was a tricky situation you found yourself in. I always prefer the broom method to get rid of unwanted nasties.

bina, I was also surprised at the instructions to wash the area and raise the bitten area. I've always been told to keep the patient calm and the bite area lower than the heart.

Another point worth mentioning is the high number of other people who are bitten trying to catch the offending snake to offer it for identification at the hospital.

This is from one of my favourite web sites on snakes and also what i've been taught on numerous first aid courses.

http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?stat...s-sntreat04.htm

The Australian Pressure Immobilisation method of First Aid

This method of first aid was developed after clinical and laboratory experience showed that most venom seemed to be transported from the bite site, to the rest of the body, in lymphatic vessels. The technique is designed to slow or stop flow in lymphatic vessels in the bitten limb. It can only be used on limbs, NOT on the body, neck or head. While local pressure over the bite site, then the rest of the bitten limb is an important part of the first aid, it is probably immobilisation of the bitten limb which is crucial to the success of this first aid technique.

In Australia, where venom detection from the skin is an important hospital test, it is vital that the bite area is not washed of cleaned in any way.

The technique for pressure immobilisation first aid is as follows:

If the bite is on a limb, a broad bandage (even torn strips of clothing or pantyhose) should be applied over the bitten area at moderate pressure (as for a sprain; not so tight circulation is impaired), then extended to cover as much of the bitten limb as possible, including fingers or toes, going over the top of clothing rather than risking excessive limb movement by removing clothing. The bitten limb should then be immobilised as effectively as possible using an extemporised splint or sling.

[h90]

Just stepped out of my computer room into the living room and found this guy staring at me. I'm a wus when it comes to snakes and it doesn't matter to me if they are dangerous or not, I treat it the same way - extreme trepidation.

I live right next to a rice field and think this is called a rice snake. Yes or no. In this case I assume it is not dangerous due to the shape of it's head? It's about 5-6cm long. I put on some rubber gloves and held it with a broom while I picked it up by its tail and put it outside. Went into panic mode when it decided to scurry across the floor sideways, it was a fast mover.

Just bad experience with snakes when younger.

does your printer still work? If not it might was your USB cable and you should buy new glasses

(usually not very dangerous)

(sorry for that silly joke)

[Tywais]

does your printer still work? If not it might was your USB cable and you should buy new glasses

(usually not very dangerous)

(sorry for that silly joke)

You're closer then you think. Today I was looking at a USB cable on the floor and double checked to make sure it didn't move.

I'm still anxious when walking around downstairs at the moment.

[Tyfon]

Just to show that things can go wrong even for professional snake handlers... This guy works at the Red Cross Snake Farm, Bangkok. He was bitten on the fore-finger by one of his venomous little friends. The finger had to be amputated, but he returned to work because he 'love snakes'.

There is at least one snake farm near Chiang Mai:

"Mae sa Snake Farm

Mae sa Snake Farm has a large collection of Thai snakes and if you want to visit them you should take the Mae Rim-Samerng road for around three kilometers from town. Here there are snake shows and demonstrations of venom milking three times a day at 11:30, 14.15 and 15.30 hours. The show takes approximately thirty minutes. For more information you should call (053) 860-719 or (01) 472-1566."

You should go along and learn some of the differences between various species you are likely to encounter locally and what to do with/about them.

I'm not sure if this is the same place, but there is a snake charmer's course available if you get carried away and want to make a career of it 8^) :

http://www.orientaltales.com/issues/002/page02.html

[Tyfon]

Family members say my snake is a "ngoo sing" which eats fish and snakes and is not venomous, worth about 100 baht in the market...

What is the Latin name anyone ? Or English name ?

Ngu Sing(h) is literally the lion snake, though I can find no pictures of it to match to your specimen. I can only find one mention of this snake, but it does confirm whjat your (?) family say -

from: http://www.sefut.uni-freiburg.de/pdf/WP_8....n%20snake%22%22 (3 MB download)

"People still hunt cobras and a snake called Ngu singh (Lion snake). Ngu singh is occasionally sold at the district market in Akat Amnuai. One snake, up to 1,50 m long, costs 80 to 100 Baht there. Snake meat is considered very delicious."

[h90]

does your printer still work? If not it might was your USB cable and you should buy new glasses

(usually not very dangerous)

(sorry for that silly joke)

You're closer then you think. Today I was looking at a USB cable on the floor and double checked to make sure it didn't move.

I'm still anxious when walking around downstairs at the moment.

beat it first

If it is the USB cable it will not bite

[phibunmike]

Family members say my snake is a "ngoo sing" which eats fish and snakes and is not venomous, worth about 100 baht in the market...

What is the Latin name anyone ? Or English name ?

Ngu Sing(h) is literally the lion snake, though I can find no pictures of it to match to your specimen. I can only find one mention of this snake, but it does confirm whjat your (?) family say -

from: http://www.sefut.uni-freiburg.de/pdf/WP_8....n%20snake%22%22 (3 MB download)

"People still hunt cobras and a snake called Ngu singh (Lion snake). Ngu singh is occasionally sold at the district market in Akat Amnuai. One snake, up to 1,50 m long, costs 80 to 100 Baht there. Snake meat is considered very delicious."

Thanks Tyfon. I searched those names and came up with nothing (except the file you already referenced) but next time I am near a good book shop I will try to check it out...