Mole snakes

Introduction: Mole snakes (Pseudaspis cana) are a harmless species of constrictor that live underground in disused animal burrows. The name is derived from their habit of eating moles. They also eat other small mammals and some mole snakes also eat eggs, swallowing them whole. They are up for a fight when first caught, usually biting and twisting for all they're worth and can give you a nasty wound that requires stitches. Snake lovers will tell you they make great pets and are known to fast.

Distribution: Throughout Namibia less for coastal Namib Desert. Their range includes Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, the Kalahari Desert and Fish River Canyon.

Diet: Moles, rodents and other small mammals. Juvenile mole snakes eat lizards.

Colouring: The upper body is a plain light to red-brown.

Breeding: Males will fight each other in the mating season, inflicting nasty bites on each other. Mole snakes mate in late spring around October time and an average of 25 to 40 juveniles are hatched during March to April.

Size: Max SVL male 1.3m, female 1.3m.