Mole Snake

Description:

The mole snake can grow to lengths of up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in). A small head and pointed snout are said to be characteristics of the species. It has a firm, tubular body. Like the majority of the Colubrinae, P. cana is not venomous. In mature individuals, the body is mostly one colour, and may vary from yellow to brown to grey, and in some cases, solid black. The young have dark markings and spots that are gradually lost as the individual ages. Colour may be related to geography; in the south, most specimens are black, whereas specimens found in the northern part of their range are brown, reddish-brown, grey, or yellow.

Habitat:

The range of the mole snake encompasses most of southern Africa. P. cana is common in Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. It is widely distributed, with a range stretching from Angola in the north to Kenya in the east to South Africa. Mole snakes live in the abandoned burrows of other animals. They can be found in a variety of habitats, such as the scrublands of the South African Cape and the Highveld plateaux and grasslands. Mole snakes have also been found in mountainous and desert areas.