The short answer is no, Mole snakes are not poisonous. This means that even if a Mole snake were to bite you, it would not inject any venom into your system. However, it’s important to note that a Mole snake bite can still be painful and cause swelling or infection.
One notable difference between the two snakes is the mole snake has a pointed snout whereas a Cape cobra has more of a squarish-shaped one. Another lookalike snake is the Bibron’s mole viper. The Bibron’s mole viper lives in South Africa, burrows in the ground, and has dark brown or black scales. It shares all of these features with a mole snake. One of the biggest differences between the Bibron’s mole viper and the mole snake is a Bibron’s mole viper has rotating fangs.
The mole snake (Pseudaspis cana) is a non-venomous lamprophiid which, when handled, is capable of inflicting painful bites sometimes requiring suturing, the wounds being more severe than is usual for non-venomous snake bites.
According to experts, unfortunately, it can happen. Not only can snakes come up through the toilet, but other critters like rats, squirrels, and tree frogs can too.
The mole snake (Pseudaspis cana) is a species of snake. It is native to much of southern Africa, and is the only member of the genus Pseudaspis. A study showed that P. cana is caught and consumed by the honey badger, among other species.
Mole kingsnakes’ preferred habitat is open fields with loose, dry soil, typically on the edge of a forested region. Their diet consists primarily of rodents, but they will also consume lizards, frogs and occasionally other snakes. They are nonvenomous, and typically docile.
The Eastern kingsnake feeds on other snakes, lizards, frogs, rodents, turtle eggs, and birds and their eggs. It eats venomous snakes such as copperheads and rattlesnakes.
The Mole snake is a muscular day-active snake that spends much of its time down rodent burrows in search of food. It is widespread and occurs throughout most of Southern Africa. This snake is not venomous but does have pin-sharp teeth and is capable of quite serious bites that may even require stitches.
The mole snake is common throughout most of southern Africa. The distribution of P. cana (mole snakes) also extends to some protected areas and national parks of South Africa. This snake is found in underground burrows in large numbers.
The mole kingsnake is a seldom seen snake that grows to about 30-40 inches in size. Mole Snake (Pseudapis cana) is a highly successful snake that is most common in the Western Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga.
What happens if a mole snake bites you?
If a mole snake bites you, what happens? Though nonvenomous, their bite may cause minor swelling, redness, bleeding, or bruising around the bite. Clean the bite area thoroughly first with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. Seek medical care if you have signs of infection like redness, swelling, pain, or pus.
Why is it called a mole snake?
Pseudaspis cana is the scientific name of a mole snake. It’s called the mole snake because the golden mole is a main component in its diet. It’s in the Pseudaspididae family. The Pseudaspididae family contains four species. As a note, the mole snake is the only member of its genus. The mole snake can grow to a total length of 2 m. A small head and pointed snout are characteristics of the species. It has a firm, tubular body. Like the majority of the Lamprophiidae, P. cana is not venomous.
Mole snakes hunt mainly by smell, as they have poor vision. Once the prey is located, the mole snake will strike quickly with its long, sharp teeth. The prey is then swallowed whole, and the mole snake will retreat underground to digest the meal. Mole snakes have a unique hunting method; they will sometimes dig up burrows of small mammals and wait for their prey to emerge.
The Mole snake is a muscular day-active snake that spends much of its time down rodent burrows in search of food. It is widespread and occurs throughout most of Southern Africa. It is often encountered in the Cape, but not seen commonly elsewhere in the country.
The juveniles are usually light reddish brown to greyish brown with dark, usually zig-zag markings, light spots and mottling down the back.
How big does a mole snake get?
The mole snake grows to 2 m. It has a small head and pointed snout. The species is not venomous. The mole snake is named for its diet of golden moles. It is the only member of its genus. Mole snakes spend time underground. Their build helps them push through burrows to find prey: moles, rats, birds, eggs. Juveniles are 20-30 cm at birth and can bite fiercely.
Mole snakes live in southern Africa sandy areas. They are often confused with cobras or stiletto snakes. Mole snakes are muscular, active in daytime. They search burrows for food. They vary from black to brick red. Juveniles have bright markings. Mole snakes can seriously bite.
Rattlesnakes and mole snakes both defend themselves. Rattlesnakes use venom. Mole snakes grow to 4 feet and burrow.