Is the Chinese water snake venomous? Learn about its toxicity in one article
The Chinese water snake, also known as the Chinese watersnake, mud snake, etc., is a reptile of the genus Enhydris in the family Colubridae. It is a national "three haves" (beneficial, of important economic value and scientific research value) protected animal, and is also a key protected animal in Hunan Province. It is not allowed to be sold or eaten. Let's take a look below at whether the Chinese water snake is venomous!
Is the Chinese water snake venomous
The Chinese water snake is mildly venomous. The Chinese water snake is a rear-fanged venomous snake, but its toxicity is very low. If bitten by it, as long as the wound is disinfected, there is no serious problem. Some people who are sensitive to the venom will show a bit of redness, swelling and somewhat more bleeding, but it is not fatal.
Habits of the Chinese water snake
The Chinese water snake lives in water year-round, inhabiting rice fields, ditches, ponds and other water areas and their vicinity. It prefers deep muddy environments and can grow in poor water quality. It has an omnivorous diet, feeding on small fish, shrimp and frogs. It is active both day and night. It reaches sexual maturity in 2 years and is ovoviviparous. The birthing period is from April to July, and from August to September it gives birth to 3-13 young snakes. Newborn young snakes have a total length of 100-150 mm.
Species of the Chinese water snake
1. Tang water snake: The Tang water snake has rear grooved fangs and is harmless to humans. Due to habitat destruction, it is now relatively rare. It inhabits ponds, paddy fields, drainage ditches and other places, and is mostly active at dusk and at night. It mainly feeds on fish and amphibians. It is viviparous. In May and June, embryos begin to appear in the abdomen of the female snake, and by August and September it gives birth to young snakes, with 3-21 young snakes per litter.
2. Silver water snake: The silver water snake has a total length of 350-474 mm. It inhabits rice fields, ponds, ditches and their vicinity, and is active both day and night. It preys on fish, frogs, etc. It is ovoviviparous. In August it gives birth to 2-12 young snakes. Newborn young snakes have a total length of 127-139 mm and weigh 2.4-2.5 grams.