The boomslang is a venomous tree snake native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It chews on prey till it succumbs. The venom destroys red blood cells and causes bleeding. Only a small venom dose is needed. Drop for drop, it is the most potent in Africa.
Boomslang bites are rare in South Africa. Victims are often handlers. In 1957, herpetologist Karl Schmidt died after a juvenile boomslang bit him. He had doubted it was lethal. He described symptoms to the end.
The way boomslangs are built means an extremely unlucky person would be bitten. They are reluctant to bite. Bites are rare. It inflates its neck and strikes when cornered.
Its Afrikaans name is tree snake. Its venom can be lethal if untreated. It causes hemorrhaging and disorders. Immediate treatment is vital for survival as it damages organs.
It is timid and bites when handled or threatened. It assumes an “S”-shaped striking pose when confronted. Coloration varies; males light green and black, females brown. It has distinct head and large eyes with round pupils.
On average adults are 100-160cm. Some exceed 183cm with large eyes and egg-shaped heads making them unique. They live in forests and woodlands eating birds and eggs.
When bitten treatment must start quickly. Without it, bites cause severe bleeding and organ damage leading to death. Avoidance is best prevention against this highly venomous snake.
Why are boomslangs so aggressive?
The boomslang is a venomous tree snake found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It lives mainly in forested areas but can also be found in karoo shrubs, savannahs and grasslands. The boomslang is an excellent climber and spends much of its time in trees hunting birds, bird eggs and small mammals.
The name “boomslang” comes from Afrikaans and means “tree snake”. Male boomslangs can be bright green or pitch black with yellow undersides. Females are usually brown or red. Boomslangs have long, slender bodies, can reach lengths of 6 feet and have rough textured scales.
Though venomous, boomslangs are generally shy, non-aggressive snakes. When confronted, they prefer to retreat rather than attack. However, when threatened they will inflate their necks, assume an S-shaped striking pose and bite. Their venom is hemotoxic and can cause serious internal bleeding.
During breeding season, male boomslangs can become aggressive and get into sparring matches over females. Locals fear boomslangs, believing they will leap from trees to attack. But human deaths are rare, usually only from poor handling. Boomslangs are often found in rural gardens and homeowners refuse to go near them, summoning reptile controllers instead.
So in summary, the boomslang is a timid but venomous tree snake that plays an important role in balancing local ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Though feared by locals, boomslang bites are rare and the snakes prefer to avoid confrontation.
Is there a cure for boomslang venom?
The boomslang is a venomous snake found in Africa. Its name means “tree snake”. The venom can stop blood from clotting and may be lethal. After a bite, one may feel headaches, nausea and sleepiness. Boomslangs rarely bite humans. The snake is shy and mild-tempered. It is a long, thin snake with big eyes. Coloration varies: males green, females brown. The venom was studied after herpetologist Karl Schmidt died from a bite. He had underestimated the snake’s deadliness. Deaths nowadays are infrequent as bites mainly happen if threatened. The venom destroys red blood cells and causes bleeding. Symptoms include bleeding from eyes, gums and skin cuts. An antivenom is available. Boomslangs feature in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Their venom is hemotoxic: it disables blood clotting. The victim bleeds internally and externally and may die from blood loss. The venom causes organ damage too.
How much is a boomslang snake?
The boomslang is a tree snake from Africa. It lives in forests and near water. Boomslangs have bright green eyes. Their heads are wide and flat. Their teeth help them hold prey while they inject venom.
Boomslangs are snakes from Africa with striking looks. “Boomslang” means “tree snake” in African. This name fits because they live in trees.
These snakes can reach 6 feet long. They are very venomous but rarely bite humans. Boomslangs eat birds, eggs, and small mammals.
Boomslangs spend their time in trees. They are various shades of green. They are timid and only strike when threatened.
Drop for drop, the boomslang has the most toxic venom in Africa. The venom required to kill a human is very small.
Boomslangs need enclosure 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide and long. This gives them room to climb like in nature. They like mild temps between 65-85 F degrees. Hiding spots should be provided since they are shy creatures.