Very
long venom fangs that need to be folded flat against the
upper jaw when the mouth is closed. Venom is powerful
and bites, while not always life-threatening, need rapid
medical attention and antivenom may be required. Most
snakes in this group are VIPERS.
Kenya has
many kinds of Vipers, of all sizes. Generally they are
heavy-bodied, with a narrow neck and a wide head and
markings that give them superb camouflage. They lie in
ambush for their prey and strike very rapidly when a
suitable animal has come close enough to reach. They eat
warm- blooded animals and birds, and sometimes toads.
Because they lie hidden on the ground instead of running
away as most other snakes do, Vipers are a danger to
humans and livestock.
In Kenya the Puff Adder is considered the
most dangerous snake we have – it is not
aggressive but has a quick reaction and is
more likely to come into contact with humans
than most other deadly snakes.
The long fangs
inject venom deep into the wound and severe
tissue damage can result unless proper
medical treatment is started at once.
Antivenom is very important – the sooner it
can be administered the less ‘aftercare’
will be required. Vipers have babies born
alive (most other snakes lay eggs) and a
large female might have nearly 100 babies.
Puff Adders cannot be tolerated near homes
or where livestock is penned but out in the
bush they are important in helping to
maintain the balance of nature. They can eat
animals up to the size of a young rabbit.
