Full Name: Eastern Natal Green Snake (Philothamnus natalensis)
Other Names: Oostelike Natal Groenslang
Classification: HARMLESS
An attractive bright, grass-green snake that is active during the day when it hunts for geckos and frogs. This snake climbs well and may be seen high up in trees. It is quick to escape when disturbed but may bite readily if handled.
Because of the green colour it is often mistaken for a Boomslang or Green Mamba and needlessly killed. The Eastern Natal Green Snake has keels on the belly as well as the underside of the tail and tends to be bright green with some light yellow on the belly and chin.
This snake occurs from Amanzimtoti northwards along the KZN coast and eventually into the Kruger National Park and Mozambique. It is completely harmless.
