Venomous snake - African tree snake identified in Lake Oeversee
The poisonous snake, spotted in Oeversee near Flensburg in early May, has been identified as an African Bush Viper by species detection dogs. According to the dog handler, the evidence is conclusive, a spokesperson for the Environmental Office (LfU) announced on Tuesday. The dogs were specifically trained to indicate a target scent. "This occurs species-specifically, as the ring snake was ignored during the search by the dogs." Previously, several media outlets had reported on this.
African Bush Vipers are bright green and can grow up to two meters long. They normally live in the savannas in southern Africa. They are reportedly generally very shy - bites can occur, however, if the snake is handled. It is still unclear how the animal ended up in Oeversee.
The Oeversee Office announced that all four species detection dogs independently indicated the scent of the African Bush Viper (Boomslang) at a nearby pond. A sample of the shedding of this snake species was used as a reference. The shy reptile itself has not been discovered in the very unclear terrain yet.
According to the Oeversee Office, there is no immediate danger to humans, as the nearest houses are in a considerable distance and there is no path along or near the pond. It is now being investigated how the snake can be captured.
Whether the reptile can survive the winter is questionable. "Long frost periods will most likely not be survived by this species," the LfU spokesperson further stated. "A climate colder and more humid than its natural habitat, such as with us, is likely to lead the animal to develop respiratory problems up to lung inflammation, which can be fatal if left untreated."
- The African Bush Viper, discovered near Flensburg in Schleswig-Holstein, originates from the savannas in southern Africa and is usually found in bright green color, capable of growing over two meters long.
- As the African Bush Viper (Boomslang) found in Oeversee is generally shy and theBit is currently isolating in a nearby pond, efforts are underway to capture it before the approaching winter, as its survival in the colder, more humid climate of Schleswig-Holstein is questionable due to potential respiratory problems.
