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.

Western Keeled Snake

Pythonodipsas carinata

The Western Keeled Snake is pale buff to sandy grey above, with a series of brown, darker edged square blotches down either side of the back, with a orange or red tail. The head is python-like in shape and appearance, as the Latin name indicates.

Widespread and quite common in Namibia, endemic to the coastline and north western Namibia, but also extends into southern Angola.

This is a nocturnal snake. Western keeled snakes are often found in rock cracks and crevices where the hunt for small lizards and geckos, however individuals have been found in the dune belt between Swakop and Walvis Bay.

It is considered to be mildly venomous, but the venom has no effect on man.