Snakes (freshwater and marine)
Snakes (freshwater)
Some non-venomous but large freshwater snakes such as the semi-aquatic anaconda
(Eunectes murinus) can present a danger. The anaconda, which reaches lengths of up
to 7.6 m, lives in tropical South America. Anacondas generally constrict and suffocate large prey, often viciously (non-venomous) biting the victim before coiling.
Attacks on humans have occurred, but the snake is not generally aggressive towards
people and will usually endeavour to escape if approached (see section 11.5.6 for
venomous snakes).
Poisonous snakes are air-breathing, front-fanged venomous reptiles, and many are
associated with both the marine and freshwater environments. Of the 50 species of
sea snake, the majority live close inshore or around coral reefs. They appear similar
to land snakes, but have a flattened tail to aid in swimming. They are curious, generally non-aggressive creatures, but can be easily provoked to attack. All sea snakes
are venomous and can inflict considerable harm if disturbed. White (1995) estimated
a worldwide sea snake fatality rate of at least 150 per year.
Of the freshwater aquatic snakes, possibly the water moccasin or cottonmouth
(Agkistrodon piscivorus) is the most dangerous to humans, the venom attacking the
nervous and blood circulatory systems of the victim. The water moccasin is a pitviper found throughout the south-eastern part of the USA. The species is never far
from water and swims with its head well above the surface. When threatened, the
snake opens its mouth wide to reveal the almost white lining, which gives it its
common name. The species can be aggressive and is densely populated in some areas.
Its bite can result in gross tissue damage, with amputations of the affected limb not
uncommon (Caras, 1976). Other species of the genus Agkistrodon are found throughout North America and south-eastern Europe and Asia.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures can be taken by the individual:
• Always “shuffle” feet when walking along sandy lagoons or shallower waters
• Wear boots in snake-infested areas.
• If possible, carry anti-venom in snake-infested areas.
Snakes (freshwater)
Some non-venomous but large freshwater snakes such as the semi-aquatic anaconda
(Eunectes murinus) can present a danger. The anaconda, which reaches lengths of up
to 7.6 m, lives in tropical South America. Anacondas generally constrict and suffocate large prey, often viciously (non-venomous) biting the victim before coiling.
Attacks on humans have occurred, but the snake is not generally aggressive towards
people and will usually endeavour to escape if approached (see section 11.5.6 for
venomous snakes).
Poisonous snakes are air-breathing, front-fanged venomous reptiles, and many are
associated with both the marine and freshwater environments. Of the 50 species of
sea snake, the majority live close inshore or around coral reefs. They appear similar
to land snakes, but have a flattened tail to aid in swimming. They are curious, generally non-aggressive creatures, but can be easily provoked to attack. All sea snakes
are venomous and can inflict considerable harm if disturbed. White (1995) estimated
a worldwide sea snake fatality rate of at least 150 per year.
Of the freshwater aquatic snakes, possibly the water moccasin or cottonmouth
(Agkistrodon piscivorus) is the most dangerous to humans, the venom attacking the
nervous and blood circulatory systems of the victim. The water moccasin is a pitviper found throughout the south-eastern part of the USA. The species is never far
from water and swims with its head well above the surface. When threatened, the
snake opens its mouth wide to reveal the almost white lining, which gives it its
common name. The species can be aggressive and is densely populated in some areas.
Its bite can result in gross tissue damage, with amputations of the affected limb not
uncommon (Caras, 1976). Other species of the genus Agkistrodon are found throughout North America and south-eastern Europe and Asia.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures can be taken by the individual:
• Always “shuffle” feet when walking along sandy lagoons or shallower waters
• Wear boots in snake-infested areas.
• If possible, carry anti-venom in snake-infested areas.
No comments:
Post a Comment