Karoo Sand Snake

About the Karoo Sand Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Karoo Sand Snake

Is the Karoo Sand Snake venomous?

The Karoo Sand Snake (Psammophis notostictus) is rear-fanged and only mildly venomous. It is not considered dangerous to humans (its venom is weak and its fangs sit at the back of the mouth) but a bite can cause local swelling or irritation, so it should not be handled.

Is the Karoo Sand Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Karoo Sand Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Karoo Sand Snake dangerous?

The Karoo Sand Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

More Psammophiidae snakes

• 
  Stripe-bellied Sand Snake
  Psammophis subtaeniatus
• 
  Cross-marked Sand Snake
  Psammophis crucifer
• 
  Forskal Sand Snake
  Psammophis schokari
• 
  Olive Whip Snake
  Psammophis mossambicus
• 
  Short-snouted Whip Snake
  Psammophis brevirostris
• 
  Cape Sand Snake
  Psammophis leightoni
• 
  Eastern Stripe-bellied Sand Snake
  Psammophis orientalis
• 
  Steppe Ribbon Racer
  Psammophis lineolatus

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

Psammophiidae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Psammophis

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

Psammophis notostictus

Keep learning

• 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.
• 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 Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
• How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.