The Kruger National Park has 54 species of snake, and most of them are non-venomous, killing their prey by biting and constricting; only a few have a potent bite. They range from non-venomous species such as the brown house snake, African rock python and mole snake to venomous ones such as the puff adder and black mamba.
The Kruger National Park is home to an amazing variety of animals from large mammals like Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalo, Impala, Lions and more to a variety of birds, like Ostriches, hornbills, Storks and Rollers. Many species in the Kruger also include a variety of reptile species that range from skinks to crocodiles and snakes.
It is commonly believed that all snakes are dangerous and deadly and should be avoided at all costs, which unfortunately gives snakes a bad reputation. Only about 200 of the more than 3,900 species of snakes on earth can kill or gravely injure people. The Kruger National Park has about 54 species of snake that can be found throughout the conservancy. Many of the species are considered constrictors and non-venomous, with only a few with a potent bite.
Non-Venomous
Non-Venomous Snakes are snakes that do not have any venom glands and therefore cannot create any dangerous toxins when biting. Non-Venomous snakes make up a majority of snake species in the Kruger National Park and they kill by biting and constricting their prey.
Brown House Snake
The Brown House Snake is one of the most popular snakes in South Africa and is kept as pets in many households. Brown House Snakes are light brown in colour with a pale underside. They have light brown beige stripes that run down its sides. They are non-venomous and resort to biting and constricting their prey before consuming.
African Rock Python
One of the most iconic constrictors in South Africa. African Rock Pythons are the largest snakes in Africa. The African Rock Python has a unique and tactical colouration that allow them to blend in seamlessly with the grass and dead leaves. They are specialized with backwards facing teeth that can hold on tightly to their prey, allowing them to easily wrap around their prey, squeezing the life out of them before swallowing them whole.
Mole Snake
The Mole snake is a non venomous snake that is native to much of Southern Africa. It has a long tubular body. Mole Snakes can come in a variety of colours from yellow, brown and even grey. It has a rather iconic small head compared to its body.
Venomous
Venomous snakes rely on a single bite to kill their prey. Different species of snakes use different concoctions of venom, from neuro toxins that affect your nervous system to Hemotoxins that attack your blood cells. These snakes give their prey a potent kiss and wait for their prey to succumb to the concoction.
Puff Adder
The Puff Adder is one of South Africa’s most infamous snakes. Unique brown colourations with white underside, the snake lies under dead leaves and in grass and completely disappears, waiting for their prey. Known to be one of the most dangerous snakes in South Africa, with a single bite able to kill a fully grown man if not treated.
Black Mamba
The Black Mamba has a feared reputation all throughout the world. The Black Mamba is a long slender snake with an olive to greyish-brown appearance. It gets its name from its pitch Black mouth that it often opens when threatened. It is shy and quick to escape, but will strike repeatedly if cornered. It has a potent concoction of venom that is extremely fatal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all snakes dangerous?
No. Only about 200 of the more than 3,900 snake species on earth can kill or gravely injure people, and most of the snakes in the Kruger National Park are non-venomous.
What is the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes?
Non-venomous snakes have no venom glands, so they cannot produce dangerous toxins and instead kill by biting and constricting their prey. Venomous snakes rely on a single bite, using venom such as neurotoxins, which affect the nervous system, or haemotoxins, which attack blood cells.
Is the puff adder dangerous?
Yes. The puff adder is one of South Africa’s most infamous snakes and is known as one of its most dangerous: a single bite can kill a fully grown man if not treated. Its brown colouring lets it disappear under dead leaves and in grass while it waits for prey.
How does the African rock python kill its prey?
By constriction. The African rock python, the largest snake in Africa, grips its prey with backward-facing teeth, wraps around it and squeezes the life out of it before swallowing it whole.
Is the brown house snake venomous?
No. The brown house snake is non-venomous and kills by biting and constricting its prey. It is one of the most popular snakes in South Africa, kept as a pet in many households, and is light brown with a pale underside.
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