SUMMARY
VENOM: Very mild - no known danger
PREVALENCE: Common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Active at night
KEY ID FEATURES: Tan with brown saddle marking and faint green coloration, extended nose, large eyes and long thin body, also found in melanistic coloration showing black and yellow markings
BEHAVIOR: Largely arboreal, will move into 'S' position and bite defensively
SIZE: Large - 150 - 200+cm
OTHER: Rear fanged and technically venomous but not known to be dangerous to humans
QUICK ASSESSMENT 0-10
GALLERY
IMPORTANT: Many snakes have significant variance in coloration and pattern even within the same species. There can also be extreme differences in appearance from juveniles to adults so it is important to never assume you have properly identified a snake.
DESCRIPTION
Usually tan with brown saddle markings and a faint green coloration. Ventrals are chocolate color and tail is black reddish brown and white. Melanistic specimens have been found showing black and yellow coloration. Head is tan with faint yellow/green coloration visible up close. Large head scales and a slightly elongated nose. Large gold eyes with vertical pupils. Dog Toothed Cat Snakes are largely arboreal and have long thin necks with exceptionally long thin tails. Head can flatten slightly when defensive appearing similar to vipers. Thin keeled body shape. As a technically rear fanged snake they are mildly venomous but there are no known cases of serious envenomation.
BEHAVIOR
The Dog Toothed Cat Snake is a largely arboreal snake and as such is prone to seek out high ground when confronted. They also commonly display initial aggressive behavior by positioning their front half into a defensive 'S' position. They will strike with largely false bites and occasionally real hits, but their small teeth renders any genuine bite relatively harmless.
HABITAT
Due to their largely arboreal nature Dog Toothed Cat Snakes are generally found in forested areas, often close to some water source. They have also been observed hanging from branches over water possibly hunting for fish or amphibians. During the day they hide in hollow logs or under ledges closer to the ground.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: The Dog Toothed Cat Snake is a relatively uniquely patterned snake and is difficult to mistake with other species especially when considering their arboreal behaviors.