SUMMARY
VENOM: Mild - can be uncomfortable
PREVALENCE: Common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Active at night
KEY ID FEATURES: Black with bright yellow rings and jaw
BEHAVIOR: Largely arboreal, will move into 'S' position and bite defensively
SIZE: Large - 2m
OTHER: Rear fanged and venomous but not known to be significantly 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
The mangrove cat snake is an iconic species with jet blac bodies and bright yellow rings running from head to tail. The jaw is yellow, head is black with grey and blac eyes. A large species of snake reaching 2 meters long with robust heads and thick bodies.
BEHAVIOR
The mangrove cat snake is a largely arboreal snake and as such is prone to seek out high ground when confronted. They can however also frequently found moving along the ground. They commonly display initial aggressive behavior by positioning their front half into a defensive 'S' position. They will strike readily if threatened and are capable of delviering very uncomfortable bites if they have a chance to envenomate with their rear fangs. They often reat in trees over deep water and leap in and dive down if threatened.
HABITAT
Due to their largely arboreal nature mangrove 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 normally rest high up in trees.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: The mangrove cat snake is a relatively uniquely patterned snake and is difficult to mistake with other species especially when considering their size and arboreal behaviors.