Snakes - What You Need To Know

Venomous Snakes Of Asia

Common Cobra: The Asian Cobra when agitated raises the front part of it's body from the ground and it spreads it's hood, just below the head. This Cobra is responsible for many deaths. It's Neurotoxic venom can cause paralysis and death within 15 minutes. Colors range from grey to brown. Some The Asian Cobra can be found in most any location of it's range and is even found in and around homes. Lives in southeast and southwest Asia and Indonesia. Often prefers escape to confrontation. Read More

Green Tree pit viper: This snake lives in the trees and bushes of the Rainforest or on plantations. It is seldom seen on the ground. It often strikes at the head, neck or body from low hanging branches or bushes. The color is green, either bright or dull, sometimes having dull black, brown or reddish spots along it's back.

Habu Pit viper: Light brown to olive with dark markings. This snake inhabits southeast Asia and neighboring islands. It bites many people every year. Habu Pit Vipers can be found in both mountains and lowlands. It's hemotoxic venom produces a very painful bite. This snake is very irritable and it's colors as well as pattern make it easy to overlook when it is laying quietly. Found around houses and farm buildings as well.

King Cobra: Lives in south and southeast Asia and surrounding islands. The King Cobra can grow to over 18 ft. making it the longest of venomous snakes. If threatened it will rise from the ground and hiss loudly. It's bite is very deadly if envenomed. The King Cobra though is generally a shy animal, but will fiercely protect it's eggs or young. Read More

Krait: This snake inhabits south and southeast Asia. It is a nocturnal snake who's bite is extremely dangerous but often painless. Do not overlook a bite because of a lack of pain. The first signs of a envenomed bite may be difficulty keeping eyes open or abdominal cramps. Death may occur 6 to 8 hours after a bite. It's venom is many times more powerful than a Cobra. The Krait is especially dangerous since it's habitat is around human homes and camps as well as the jungle or field. It will come into a home, tent, sleeping bag or even ones boots when off. The Krait may be brightly striped with alternating dark and light stripes, however, it can be difficult to see when in it's habitat and is active at night, often biting those who step on it.

Levant viper: This viper and it's relatives inhabit north Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. It can be found from farmlands to mountains and varies to most all areas. This snake bites quickly and it's venom is very dangerous, causing many deaths. Often hisses loudly when threatened. Colors vary from grey to brown to olive green. Both lighter and darker with a pattern.

Malayan pit viper: The Malayan pit viper lives in south east Asia and surrounding islands such as Java, Sumatra and Malaysia. It has triangular markings and is known for it's quick temper. It strikes without hesitation and bites many people. It is known to lay motionless in one spot for long periods of time, sometimes not moving even after striking. It's venom can cause death but rarely happens with medical attention. Found in the Rainforest, farms and plantations.

McMahon's viper: A Desert snake which likes to cover itself on the surface in loose sand. It is known to be very aggressive. Found in the desert area bordering Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Also reported in desert parts of India. Blends well with the sandy areas it inhabits and so is easy to step on. Known to climb into small bushes.

Russell's viper: This viper is found from rainforests to farm lands throught south and southeast Asia.. It is common to find these snakes around human settlements. This is a dangerous snake and is responsible for many fatal bites. It's light brown body with pattern is provides good camouflage. It can coil and strike very quickly.

Sand viper: This snake resides from the northern half of Africa to southwest Asia. It is a nocturnal desert dweller. The Sand viper has a short temper and will strike without hesitation or warning. Will partially bury itself in the sand and lay motionless and very difficult to see. Easily stepped on. Very rough scaled with a large triangular head. Grey to brown coloring.

Saw-scaled viper: Responsible for many snake bites and deaths. The Saw Scaled viper produces a rasping sound with it's scales. Small at 18 to 24 inches but very short tempered. This snake has very potent venom. Common in dry areas, farms, barns, rural villages and rocky areas. It often hides under loose rocks or other items. Nocturnal, it buries itself in leaves or sand if not hidden. Sometimes climbs trees and bushes, especially when it rains. Uses it's scales to produce a raspy sound when threatened. Very aggressive, will readily strike.

Wagler's pit viper or temple viper: A dark green color. This snake lives in dense rainforests and around human dwellings in the Malaysian Peninsula and Archipelago, Indonesia, Borneo, the Philippines, and Ryukyu Islands. Bites are common but rarely lead to death. Found generally in bushes and trees.

Asia

The Cobra can spit it's venom into the eyes of its victim for a good distance, and some Cobra's will play dead if startled, so don't take chances.
Snake bites are not uncommon and can be life threatening, unfamiliar territory can be distracting, when in Asia be alert to this danger.

Hints To Avoid A Bite

Don't try to pick up or trap a snake! It sounds strange, but many people are bitten trying to grab or trap a snake they have encountered.
Walk around a snake giving it plenty of room.
Don't try to kill the snake just because you have found it in the wilderness. This often ends in ways that are less than desirable and snakes are very important to the environment.
Don't put your hands or feet in places where you cannot see such as tall grass, holes or crevices in logs, rocks or in the ground. Don't pick anything up without first flipping it over with a small tree branch, hiking pole or other item.
Do not go bare foot or wear sandals when exploring the outdoors. Always wear leather hiking boots or other suitable footwear and clothing.
Watch where you step, especially around trees, brush or tall grass. Be alert to your surroundings. Remember, Snakes often lay motionless and may be unnoticeable.
If sleeping outdoors without a tent, don't lay next to rocks, tall grass, brush or logs. Use mosquito netting to create a barrier around yourself. Tuck mosquito netting well under your sleeping bag and anchor it well away from your body with logs, rocks or other items. Sleeping on a cot is preferable.