Snakes on a plane... err... trail

[Greggvdw]

If it helps any, there were a lot of holes in the ground in the direct vicinty. About the same diameter as a waterbottle.

[Tumbleweed]

What's with all the snake threads of late? Are there more snakes out and about?

[Greggvdw]

I thought a puffy, but not sure with coloring like that?

 

Saw the info RE: the underside after posting.

 

Problems with Rinkhals is that they like to "play dead". That one looks properly dead tho.

Yeah, was very dead. i would not have approached if i could not see that it was half eaten

Subsequent rides through that section have been at quite a pace.

[Guest The Bushpig]

Yeah there are plenty of Mongoose around there so I hope it was that. I am no expert, but it didnt look like it was killed by a human. Also there are pretty much only mountain bikers going through this reserve so I hope none of them would do something like this.

 

Yup, so do I. I hate to see snakes just killed for no reason. I have shot my fair share of snakes inside our house when I was a child(less wise and too quick on the trigger; I actually regret it now), but never bother them when they are out and about just being snakes. Snakes never go looking for k*k; in dozens of encounters I've had with snakes, only a Puffadder gave me too late a warning(probably because I was not paying attention).

[zerocalves]

Cobra of some sort; distinctively shaped head. Hard to be specific without seeing it in the flesh. Not many grow as thick as your arm; possibly an Egyptian(not sure if they occur here). Mongooses kill them easily but it's more likely to have been killed by something with two legs.

 

Thats why I ride a Mongoose - just in case I come across a cobra

[Guest The Bushpig]

If it helps any, there were a lot of holes in the ground in the direct vicinty. About the same diameter as a waterbottle.

 

Ground Squirrels probably made those holes. Cobras + Rodents = Happy Cobras; lekker burrows to live in and plenty of baby rodents to eat at any time.

 

I don't have extensive knowledge of the Rinkhals, but I was also under the impression that they are more slender. The description does seem to indicate a Rinkhals, although colour can vary hugely within a species. That snake in the photo is massively thick for it's length.

 

Any Herpetologists on the Hub?

[Guest The Bushpig]

Stupid question - but could it not have been the other half?

 

You mean Spousal Rage ?

[Lexx]

Yup, so do I. I hate to see snakes just killed for no reason. I have shot my fair share of snakes inside our house when I was a child(less wise and too quick on the trigger; I actually regret it now), but never bother them when they are out and about just being snakes. Snakes never go looking for k*k; in dozens of encounters I've had with snakes, only a Puffadder gave me too late a warning(probably because I was not paying attention).

 

Dude, I will kill a snake without any remorse. I had 2 encounters with Black Mamba's in 2 weeks, and both of them are well over 1.7m Long. And believe me, You will feel different once you cross paths with them.

[Li Mu Bai]

The underside was black and every now and then a white strip. Much like the picture above. I was always under the impression that a rinkhals was skinnier.

No a Rhinkals is quite a fat strong looking mother, thick long body. Its eye is quite destinctive in that it looks like its scowling. white bands on the underside are normal. It comes across as a 'proper snake', not something to be messed with.

There is another colour variation which is black and khaki beigh stripes.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Li Mu Bai

[BergForce]

On the sides near the head the cobra flaps can clearly be seen, it`s a rinkhals. I think I`ll rather take my chances with the Cape puffies.

[Guest The Bushpig]

Dude, I will kill a snake without any remorse. I had 2 encounters with Black Mamba's in 2 weeks, and both of them are well over 1.7m Long. And believe me, You will feel different once you cross paths with them.

 

I have, just once, at a range of about 80cm, with a male that went well over 3m(his head was level with my chin). My fault; I leopard crawled onto him. He was afraid and cornered by me, and could have bitten me directly in the neck/face/chest with little effort. I stood still, didn't try to run or turn the rifle on him. He calmed down, turned away and took off. He gave me the benefit of the doubt because I did not continue threatening him. Agreed; a Black Mamba is one terrifying snake; he commands respect.

Edited November 19, 2012 by The Bushpig

[Li Mu Bai]

http://www.capesnakeconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ww-2.jpg

[Andrew Steer]

My boss saw a Rinkhals on a ride through Alberts Farm

Looks like a Rinkhals or possibly a Mole snake?

[Benjamin]

I could never ever kill a snake, that I know for sure. Waaaay to scared to get anywhere near close enough in order to kill the thing, before it killed me. Maybe with a flame thrower from a helicopter but even thats a bit close for me.

[Benjamin]

http://www.capesnakeconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ww-2.jpg

Thanks bru. Now I won't sleep tonight.

[Guest The Bushpig]

I have, just once, at a range of about 80cm, with a male that went well over 3m(his head was level with my chin). My fault; I leopard crawled onto him. He was afraid and cornered by me, and could have bitten me directly in the neck/face/chest with little effort. I stood still, didn't try to run or turn the rifle on him. He calmed down, turned away and took off. He gave me the benefit of the doubt because I did not continue threatening him. Agreed; a Black Mamba is one terrifying snake; he commands respect.

 

I still won't kill a snake for no reason.