SUMMARY

  • VENOM: Very mild - no known danger

  • PREVALENCE: Somewhat common

  • ACTIVE PERIOD: Active at night

  • KEY ID FEATURES: Light orange to peach body with small dark spots, long tail with slender neck and olive green to dark grey head

  • BEHAVIOR: Largely arboreal, will move into 'S' position and bite defensively

  • SIZE: Medium - 80-110cm

  • OTHER: Rear fanged and technically venomous but not known to be 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

Usually light orange to peach body with small dark spots. Head is olive green to dark grey with faint small dark spots only visible up close. Large green/gold eyes with vertical pupils. Black Headed Cat Snakes are largely arboreal and have long thin necks with exceptionally long thin tails. Head can flatten slightly when defensive appearing similar to vipers. light pink belly and an oval shaped body. As a technically rear fanged snake they are mildly venomous but there are no known cases of serious envenomation.

BEHAVIOR

The Black Headed Cat Snake is a largely arboreal snake and as such is prone to seek out high ground when confronted. They also commonly display initial aggressive behavior by positioning their front half into a defensive 'S' position. They will strike with largely false bites and occasionally real hits, but their diminutive size renders any genuine bite relatively harmless.

HABITAT

Due to their largely arboreal nature Black Headed 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 hide in hollow logs or under ledges closer to the ground.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: The Black Headed Cat Snake is a relatively uniquely patterned snake and is difficult to mistake with other species especially when considering their arboreal behaviors.