Western Bark Snake

About the Western Bark Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Western Bark Snake

Is the Western Bark Snake venomous?

No. The Western Bark Snake (Hemirhagerrhis viperina) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.

Is the Western Bark Snake poisonous?

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

Is the Western Bark Snake dangerous?

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

Where does the Western Bark Snake live?

The Western Bark Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Namibia, Angola. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Psammophiidae snakes

• 
  Mopane Snake
  Hemirhagerrhis nototaenia
• 
  Kenyan Bark Snake
  Hemirhagerrhis hildebrandtii
• 
  Keller's Bark Snake
  Hemirhagerrhis kelleri
• 
  Western Montpellier Snake
  Malpolon monspessulanus
• 
  Rhombic Skaapsteker
  Psammophylax rhombeatus
• 
  Eastern Montpellier Snake
  Malpolon insignitus
• 
  Stripe-bellied Sand Snake
  Psammophis subtaeniatus
• 
  Karoo Sand Snake
  Psammophis notostictus

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

Hemirhagerrhis

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

Hemirhagerrhis viperina

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.