If you are unsure of the identification of a snake you have observed, you can ask an expert for snake identification by uploading a photo to the Snakes of Namibia facebook page.

You can also get help from their amazing album of infographics of the common snake species in Namibia.

The facebook page also has contact details for snake catchers - people who are experienced in catching and removing snakes - throughout the country.

In the case of a snake bite, email "snakebite" to snakebitedoc@gmail.com. Namibia's snakebite expert - Dr Buys - will respond immediately.

Spotted or Variegated Bush Snake

Philothamnus semivariegatus

Spotted Bush Snake (or Variegated Bush Snake) is harmless but is often mistaken for some of our venomous species. It spends most of its time in low hanging shrubs where it hunts for lizards. The front half of the body is usually green with a series of black stripes while the second half of the body is brown in colour with no markings. The head is small, the eyes have a golden yellow iris and the tongue is blue. When threatened they will inflate their throat and strike out repeatedly.