Günther’s Garter Snake

About the Günther’s Garter Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Günther’s Garter Snake

Is the Günther’s Garter Snake venomous?

Yes. The Günther’s Garter Snake (Elapsoidea guentherii) is venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family (cobra, mamba, coral or sea snake). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.

Is the Günther’s Garter Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Günther’s Garter Snake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.

Is the Günther’s Garter Snake dangerous?

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Where does the Günther’s Garter Snake live?

The Günther’s Garter Snake has verified records in 10 countries, including Tanzania, United Republic of, Zambia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Günther’s Garter Snake

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

More Elapidae snakes

• 
  Highveld Garter Snake
  Elapsoidea sundevallii
• 
  Boulenger's Garter Snake
  Elapsoidea boulengeri
• 
  East African Garter Snake
  Elapsoidea loveridgei
• 
  Angolan Garter Snake
  Elapsoidea semiannulata
• 
  Black Garter Snake
  Elapsoidea nigra
• 
  Werner's Garter Snake
  Elapsoidea laticincta
• 
  Red-bellied Black Snake
  Pseudechis porphyriacus
• 
  Tiger Snake
  Notechis scutatus

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards

Squamata

FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits

Elapidae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Elapsoidea

SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name

Elapsoidea guentherii

Keep learning

• Are Snakes Dangerous? The Real Risk, in PerspectiveMost snakes are harmless and avoid people. Here is the honest picture of snakebite risk worldwide and how to lower your own.
• Snakebite First Aid: What to Do (and What Never to Do)A clear, CDC-based guide to snakebite first aid: the steps that help, the popular myths that hurt, and how to tell a serious bite from a minor one.
• Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
• What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.