Snake Fungal Disease was first confirmed in a captive rat snake in 2006 and has since been identified in seven species of wild snakes across the Eastern and Midwest United States. The disease is thought to be caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces (formerly Chrysosporium) ophiodiicola, though this is not yet the definitive cause of SFD. […]

Dr. Stephen Secor, a biology professor at the University of Alabama who specializes in the physiology and digestion of large constricting snakes, was approached by Discovery Channel producers to serve as a scientific adviser for “Eaten Alive.” This program, part of the channel’s Shock and Awe programming, has faced widespread media ridicule for its absurdity

A clinical study conducted in Nepal at three medical facilities demonstrated that a simple DNA swab on fang marks left on people bitten by snakes correctly identified the species of snake 100 percent of the time. The study, presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene’s (ASTMH) annual meeting, determined that if the

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission faces a pivotal decision regarding the redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata). State wildlife and parks secretary Robin Jennison has urged the commission to vote against scientific recommendations to maintain the snake’s threatened listing under the Kansas Endangered Species Act. The Kansas Threatened and Endangered Species task committee had

When Australians discover snakes in their homes or workplaces, they often contact a snake catcher to safely remove the reptile. A recent call from a business in Newcastle resulted in a remarkable find. The snake catcher, Geoff Delooze, a subcontractor for Newcastle and Hunter Animal Control, was astonished when he retrieved a venomous red-bellied black

A 10-year-old boy was bitten by a copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) while playing an away game in Kansas City, MO. Carlton Epps, who plays for Team Venom of Branson, MO, was at a tournament and between games when he tripped and fell on some grass, resulting in the bite. Epps was bitten on the arm.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has until September 17, 2017 to determine whether the Kirtland’s snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) should be protected by the Endangered Species Act, following a settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity. The Center petitioned the USFWS in 2010 to protect the species. In 2011, the USFWS determined that the snake

A ball python was recently discovered dead at Treorchy Lake in England. While it is unclear if the snake was already deceased when it left its previous owners’ home, the RSPCA reports a growing trend of neglected and abandoned exotic reptiles and other animals across England and Wales. RSPCA Inspector Simon Evans stated, “We don’t

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is considering a proposal to ban the use of gasoline in capturing rattlesnakes. Currently, hunters spray gas into rattlesnake dens to force the snakes out with fumes, but this method often kills other animals in the dens. This practice typically occurs just before rattlesnake roundups, such as the Sweetwater

Researchers from Harvard University in the United States have discovered and described a new species of boa from a remote island in the Bahamas. Named the Conception Bank silver boa (Chilabothrus argentum) for its unique silver coloration, the snake was first observed climbing a silver palm tree, suggesting its color may serve as camouflage. During