Snake Bite

Post by **lomuamart** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:15 pm

Vipers are generally regarded as the most dangerous snake in Thailand. They're not the most venomous although a bite will kill. The fact is that they're aggressive and can strike any old time.
Pete, I've heard folklore and apparantly the head is pretty important - a square one will kill you. A triangular one won't. Or the other way around.
So, why did you behead the poor beast?

Post by **Nereus** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:20 pm

charlesh wrote:Have a squizz at this rat snake site!
http://www.ratsnakes.com/gallery.html

I think that you are right, it is a "rat snake'. Non venomous, but when there are kids around, better not to take the risk.

Post by **PeteC** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:40 pm

Nereus wrote:I think that you are right, it is a "rat snake'. Non venomous, but when there are kids around, better not to take the risk.

Yes indeed, that answers it Lomu. With a 4 year old and her friends using the yard for play and I'm not sure, it's going to meet it's maker rather than go off and hide under a flower pot or whatever. When I approached it both times, when it struck at my arm and when I came back with the machete, it didn't try to flee but fight. That struck me as unusual as it wasn't cornered.

The wife came home looked at it and said it was a "sing" snake. Bites but doesn't think poisonous. See if anyone can give a better description of what a "sing" snake is in your households? Pete

Post by **redzonerocker** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:48 pm

prcscct wrote:
The wife came home looked at it and said it was a "sing" snake.

well, after looking at the photos, i don't think he'll be doing any more singing

venomous or not, you wouldn't want a bite from any snake

have you seen the size of their gnashers!!

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:12 pm

prcscct wrote:The wife came home looked at it and said it was a "sing" snake.

Lion Snake.

Post by **BaaBaa.** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:16 pm

Here is a few "ngu sing"

http://www.siam-info.com/english/snakes_ptyas.html

Post by **PeteC** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:21 am

Thanks BaaBaa. Mine doesn't really resemble them but I'll go along with it.

I'm building up a snake knowledge base with this thread. 1) viper square head as Lomu indicated is correct. Triangular head usually OK. Relaxed cobra an exception. 2) Rat snakes don't prowl at night so if I see something during those times, caution! Pete

Post by **Takiap** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:10 am

You're right Pete, in that if there are young kids about, you can't take any chances. A couple of months back I was just off down to the local shop and almost stood on a snake as I was about to get on my bike. I was really fortunate to spot it because it was at night and that side of the property is really dark. Anyway, with two young ones running around, I took it's head off and left it until the morning at which point I managed to identify it 100% as a Malaysian Pit Viper.

I've killed a few snakes on the property because the wife is terrified of them and of course we have the kids to worry about. If it was only me living here I would just let them be as I have no fear of them at all, although I do respect them. Used to keep a few as a kid and would actually love to start a collection over here but not sure about the various laws.

Word of caution - pit vipers can lunge at you (as can many snakes) so try not to get too close during the execution. Perhaps you should make a snake catcher if you have many snakes around your home. Quick, easy and cheap to make, and they work a real treat.

Post by **Nereus** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:15 am

prcscct wrote: Triangular head usually OK................................. :

100% so, but only when it is as shown in your photo, Pete.

JW · Post by JW » Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:29 am

Its head isnt really viper like - not arrow shaped so probably a rat snake - in fairness if they bite you can get a nasty infection and with children around its better to kill them.

Post by **Aussie Mark** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:31 pm

Hi John
I have seen alot of snakes selling property in Hua Hin. I should of have of smelt a snake when u skinned me on the golf course

PET · Post by **PET** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:41 pm

Takiap or somebody

Please describe a Ratcatcher?

I used to use a long forked stick so maybe this is what you mean

JW · Post by JW » Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:52 pm

Cheers Mark! Maybe u will get your own back next time, my game has gone to ratshit!

Super Joe · Post by **Super Joe** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:06 pm

prcscct wrote:This juvenile almost got me this afternoon. Hiding in the leaves along the wall near the garden water tap. Looking on the web and Kendo's above link I'm not sure what it is, although close to a Malaysian pit viper or a Russell's viper. Anyone know for sure? Pete

Looks similar to this one we found on our patio, literally 6 foot from where me and friend were sitting ....

Always thought this was a viper due to head shape, looked through snake websites on web but there's so many similar looking types it makes your head spin. Viper or ratsnake anyone ??

What is abundently clear from these two pics is that next time I go to Pattaya I should pop round Pete's for a lesson in how to 'swiftly kill a snake with the least possible mess'

SJ

sargeant · Post by **sargeant** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:34 pm

Before kiling a snake you should shout out as loudly as you possibly can

one plus two

if the snake shouts three its an adder