Full Name: Western Natal Green Snake (Philothamnus occidentalis)
Other Names: Westelike Natal Groenslang
Classification: HARMLESS
Map indicating the distribution of the Western-Natal Green Snake in Southern Africa.
A beautiful, bright green snake that is active during the day when it hunts for geckos and frogs. This snake climbs well but is often found on the ground, especially along the banks of well-shaded rivers and streams. It is quick to escape when disturbed and will bite readily if handled but is completely harmless.
Because of the green colour this harmless snake is often mistaken for a Boomslang or Green Mamba and needlessly killed. The Western Natal Green Snake has a whitish belly and may have a bluish tinge and occasionally some darker blotches on the back. It occurs south of Amanzimtoti and inland towards the Drakensberg and further north, as well as into the Eastern Cape and Western Cape to around Swellendam.
