A large diurnal snake that averages 70-100 cm with a maximum length of 1.6 m. It is slow-moving whilst hunting on the surface and will often do so with its head well off the ground but spends much of the day in rodent burrows in search of food. Known for its peculiar habit of moving its head from side to side – something that may be seen in the Boomslang as well.
Full Name: Rufous Beaked Snake (Rhamphiophis rostratus)
Other Names: Rooibruinhaakneusslang
Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS
A large diurnal snake that averages 70-100 cm with a maximum length of 1.6 m. It is slow-moving whilst hunting on the surface and will often do so with its head well off the ground but spends much of the day in rodent burrows in search of food. Known for its peculiar habit of moving its head from side to side – something that may be seen in the Boomslang as well.
It is easily identified by the beak and dark stripe through the eye. When disturbed, it is very quick to escape. This snake may hiss but rarely bites. It favours bushveld and thorny sandveld areas. The venom of the Rufous Beaked Snake is very mild and has no effect on humans.
