Fear-Inspiring Design

There are different kinds of habus. One kind has a dark, greenish-brown mottle that gives it a superb camouflage in grass and decaying leaves. Some others have a blacker appearance that suits the habu’s nighttime activities and tendency to hide in dark places.

This creature has gifts that we do not have, though it is a little nearsighted. It is gifted with what are called pit organs, one on each side of its head. These are depressions between the nostrils and the eyes that are very sensitive to heat. The two pits help it to “see” infrared radiation that humans feel as heat. With these, a habu is able to zero in on a warm little mouse, even in complete darkness.

You may have seen a snake flicking its tongue. Its tongue serves as an extraordinary second nose. By such flicking the habu picks up chemicals in the air and then presses its tongue against a chemically sensitive organ in the roof of its mouth. With this second nose at work, the habu picks up a wealth of chemical information from the air.

“Habu maintain a high rate of tongue flicking over successive time periods following a strike,” observed researchers R. M. Waters and G. M. Burghardt of the University of Tennessee. Why look for chemical stimuli in the air after the attack? As there is always a risk of counterattack from the desperate prey, the habu, after striking and injecting venom, often releases its victim. Then, as the venom takes effect, the viper tracks down the prey by “smelling” with its tongue.

Having tracked down the now helpless prey, be it mouse, chick, or bird, the habu then proceeds to swallow it whole—head, feet, tail, fur, feathers, and all. Its lower jaw unlocks at the back, allowing the jawbone to separate so that oversized prey may be swallowed. A whole cat was found in the belly of one habu that is on display at one of the habu centers in Okinawa.

What if a habu loses its syringelike fang in an attack? A new one will replace it. Why, some have been seen with two fangs on each side of the mouth! Besides, even if a habu loses its fangs, it will not starve. One habu on record survived for three years on water alone.

Avoiding Its Attack

Whereas the cobra of Southeast Asia and the black mamba of Africa inject nerve poison, the habu injects strongly hemorrhagenic venom. It is called hemorrhagenic because it causes bleeding by destroying the blood vessels. The venom causes a burning pain and swelling, and it can be fatal.

Some think that the snakes jump out from hiding and chase after humans, but that is not the case. Humans are no delicacy to the habu. Only if you tread unknowingly upon a habu or intrude on its territory will it perhaps attack. Most victims have been in areas where habus were looking for prey, such as in vegetable gardens or sugarcane fields. Islanders never go into the tall grass without proper leg protection, and they carry a flashlight at night. The habu is especially active during the night. Oh, you should not forget that these snakes are deft tree climbers, which allows them to keep cool in summer as well as to be near unsuspecting birds. So watch your head, as well as your steps, when you are near their habitat!

The best way to deal with this viper is not to invite it in in the first place. Cover all holes in a building’s foundation and outer walls. Keep your yard free of tall grass. In other words, do not provide a hiding place for the habu.

What if You Are Struck?

What could happen if you were to meet up with one of these poisonous snakes? Perhaps the habu will coil, with the top half of its body in an S shape. Here it comes! Two thirds of its body lunges toward you, jaws wide open, fangs first.

Do not panic. Check that it actually was a habu that attacked you. A habu bite can be identified by two reddish spots, about an inch [2 cm] apart, where the fangs pierced your skin. Some may have three or four fangs, which increases the number of reddish spots. Soon, a burning sensation, as if someone had put your hand in a fire, intensifies. What can you do? Call for help. Then, suck out the poison and spit it on the ground. “Suck blood out repeatedly ten times at least,” says the Handbook for the Control of Habu, or Venomous Snakes in the Ryukyu Islands. Head for a hospital that is equipped with serum for the habu venom. Never run, though. That would quickly spread the poison through your body, increasing the damage and slowing recovery. If you cannot reach a hospital within 30 minutes, apply a tourniquet to the affected arm or leg at a place nearer the heart than the bite to delay the spread of the venom. Do not bind too tightly, however, for the pulse must be maintained. Release the pressure every ten minutes to allow circulation.

Masatoshi Nozaki and Seiki Katsuren, of the habu research section of the Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, says that humans, even after being bitten, do not develop permanent immunity to the habu poison. A bite often led to amputation in the past, but today few people lose a limb, let alone die, from habu bites. Thanks to effective drugs and therapeutic techniques, now 95 percent of those who are bitten recover. Only the overconfident or those too far from medical treatment may suffer serious injury.

Habus for Sale

The habu has few natural enemies. Household cats and dogs have a tendency to sport with it. A nonpoisonous snake called akamata, some weasels, wild boars, and hawks are listed among its predators. Although the mongoose was brought into the Ryukyu Islands to help control the habu population, this has not been effective in eradicating them.

The deadliest of all its natural enemies is man. Just like the villagers who rushed out at the cry of “Habu!” the moment they heard it, there are many who are eager to catch a habu the moment it makes an appearance. In spite of the danger, the market value of between $80 and $100 (U.S.) for one habu is too great a temptation for many.

How is the habu used? Habu liquor and dried snake powder, both consumed for health reasons, are made from it. Many are used live in shows to attract tourists. Of course, the skin is good for wallets and belts, while the venom is used to make antitoxin serum. Regardless of such uses, the advice still is, keep away from the habu!

FACT or fallacy? The entire picture created above is false, based on commonly held misconceptions. Consider some of these fallacies.

1. Jasmine, sandalwood, and other scents attract snakes. FALSE. The scent attracts insects, the insects attract frogs, and the frogs, which are part of the snake’s diet, attract snakes.

2. Snakes move by undulating their bodies vertically. FALSE. This impression is given when snakes move over large stones. The normal movement of cobras and other terrestrial snakes is horizontal, in a straight line. They either stretch the front part of their body forward and draw up the back part or, with the help of any projections on the ground, push sideways and forward, looking like the letter S.

3. Some snakes have a precious stone in their head. FALSE. A myth, along with the belief that great men in ancient India were protected by cobras.

4. Cobras hypnotize their prey. FALSE. The snake will usually stare fixedly when afraid, so the impression given to humans when they encounter a snake is of a fixed, hypnotic type of stare. This, however, is not a method used to catch prey.

5. Cobras hurl themselves at their prey. FALSE. The cobra throws the front part of its body forward to attack its prey, but most of its length remains on the ground to anchor its body. At the most, one third of the body is reared and strikes to attack.

6. The skin of snakes, including cobras, is slimy and always cold. FALSE. The skin of snakes, with its overlapping scales, is dry and feels like soft leather. Snakes are cold-blooded creatures; their body temperature reacts to changes in the external temperature.

7. Cobras are deaf. FALSE. A misconception held by many. These think that the snake’s only hearing is from vibrations in the ground that are carried through its body. The Bible, at Psalm 58:4, 5, correctly implies that cobras are not deaf. Recent research has shown that cobras can hear sounds carried in the air and that they respond to the music of the snake charmer.

Snakes are feared by many people. Some people like snakes. Most people hate them. Often, the snakes get a bum rap because there are poisonous. The fact is that venomous snakes are only 10% of snakes in the world. Poisonous snakes, although it is rare that you see, have been reported in all states except Alaska.

Poisonous or not, it is best to leave snakes alone, unless you have professional advice and assistance. A person who wants a pet snake should be educated in the knowledge of your snake and care for it. Some people think that snakes should be respected and left alone to play its natural role in the ecosystem, including excessive eating insects, rodents, rabbits and other small prey. Do not handle freshly killed venomous snakes because they have muscle tremors and late reflections that can cause to bite even after they just killed. Poisonous snake bites are extremely painful and some can be deadly.

Poisonous snakes are:

Cobras are famous, which are enormous and are found in the Philippines, Asia and Africa primarily. The King Cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake, the record for being 18 feet long! They make a nest for their young and remain there until the eggs are hatched. Rarely, they attack unprovoked. They are mortal enemies, however.

Rattlesnakes usually 2-5 feet long. There are many different types of rattlesnakes. Dark brown to black, the Mojave Desert is olive green, all spots are oval, square or diamond-shaped back and all have a rattle.

Coral snake black with yellow stripes and bright red thin. That old saying is true “red yellow kill a fellow” the coral snake is confused with the nonpoisonous scarlet king snake and scarlet snakes but the red and yellow NEVER touch!

Copper-head 22-36 inches long, dark brown with alternating brown tint, almost pink, they have a pit between the nose and eyes. Located in Florida, Texas, Nebraska, Massachusetts, and other wet areas low, often confused with young moccasins are venomous.

Cottonmouth (water moccasin) -20 to 48 inches. Adults are dark, almost black, the young are reddish brown with brown bands, have pits between the nostrils and eyes. They live near water. Located in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Florida and Montana. They are named, moccasin, because when threatened, they open their mouth and a white interior can be seen.

Sea snakes are found on the reef of Australia, the Pacific and Indian Ocean. They are air breathers, unlike eels because they have no guts, breath air and have scales. They have flat tails, especially for swimming. Lives in shallow water. They are very poisonous bite is fatal, causing respiratory paralysis.

Non-poisonous snakes are:

bull snake
milk snake
snake
water snake
Brokers
king snake
rat snake
pythons and boas
hognose
pine
gopher
Flathead
mud snake

Yes, most of the snakes bite, but most snakes keep to themselves. They will only bite if attacked. Of course it is always the case of mistaken identity. White is often confused with the poisonous white.

The website “Pet Support USA Reptile Library” in the article entitled “Ball Python”, says why the Ball Python is so well liked. It is said that the Ball python is smaller than most pythons, which makes it easier to care for, and their colors and designs are quite impressive.

According to the website article “Python Regius - Royal or Ball Python” which was written by Lynn Elisia Rangel and published by the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan, Ball Pythons, also known as Royal Pythons, are different brands and colors. The ball or Royal Python can be various shades of brown, tan, red, yellow, yellow or orange. These beautifully colored snakes can have spots, stripes, or a combination of both. The same article says that this gentle creature adult reaches a length of three to six feet.

According to the website article “Ball Pythons”, written and published by Melissa Kaplan in 1996, the python is native to West and Central Africa. He lives on the outskirts of the forest areas in the trees and pastures. It is said that the python, which is known as the Royal Python in Europe, received its name from the fact that curls into a ball when scared or alarmed. The same article says how to tell a male ball python from a female. The ground ball python near the tail is spurring those are remnants in the form of claws of the hind legs. These hind legs were removed when the python and boa evolved from the lizard. He says the male snakes have spurs that are longer than females. In addition, the female usually has a larger head than the male Ball Python.

“Ball Pythons” says what to consider when choosing a pet snake. It is said that the snake should appear to be alive, alert, and flick your tongue when touched or picked up. In addition, snakes are healthy skin tight that it seems clear and vibrant. A healthy snake will round body and his eyes and vent will be clean and clear. The same article says that the healthy Ball Python reacts instinctively to have his head touched by pulling back.

Specific types of housing and fittings are suggested by the “Ball Pythons” and are as follows. Suggest a twenty gallon tank for a ball python immature, and an aquarium between thirty and fifty gallons of a fully grown Ball Python. Pet stores also sell cages designed specifically for reptiles. If you choose a tank for the house of your Ball Python, you must have a lid that holds tightly controlled to the top to prevent leakage.

The air temperature should range over box eighty to eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night the air temperature should range from seventy-three to seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. A basking light should be provided for a portion of the habitat that maintains a temperature of about ninety degrees Fahrenheit during the day and not less than eighty degrees Fahrenheit overnight. It’s a good idea to invest in high quality lights and thermometers to keep your Ball Python habitat at appropriate temperatures to maintain good health.

The substrate of the habitat must be reptile bark or safe bedding for the label of a snake habitat. At the beds would be cheaper, untreated brown paper. Sterile soil is also acceptable, but is dirty and impractical. Sand and cedar shavings should never be used as a substrate. The sand can get below a snake scales and cause irritation and skin problems. Containing cedar chips and cedar oil can be fatal to the snakes.

Ball Python snakes as a cool place to hide and sleep during the day. This gives the snake a sense of security within its habitat. Most pet shops sell reptiles, trees, logs, and other accessories designed for the snakes. It also suggests the platforms and ledges to add space to their habitat Ball Python. Recreating a natural environment for your Ball Python snake maintained its clean environment. Soiled linen should be removed often and completely changed regularly.

“Ball Python” tells what the nutritional requirements and methods of feeding a python. Your Ball Python should be moved to a different class for food and digestion of food. This will help condition the snake not to bite when handled or outside their habitat. They feed mainly on rats, mice and other small rodents, but also eat small birds and small reptiles such as frogs and snakes. A young Ball Python needs to feed about once every week in a place with little light. Tiny mice are suggested for a young snake. As the ball python grows, your meal should be higher, but the size of the dam should not exceed the diameter of the snake’s body. A shallow dish of water should always be accessible to the Ball Python for drinking and bathing. A heavy ceramic dish works very well for this purpose.

You can expect a healthy Ball Python to shed about every two or three months, says “Ball Python.” The snake eyes are covered with the shedding of the skin, and should be left alone, since it can strike at any movement. Ball pythons do not eat while pouring so that food should not be offered. The same article states that provide raw objects to help your Ball Python to the elimination of the dumping of the skin.

Ball Python snakes are nice to own and care. They are also interesting to observe, and provide valuable knowledge for adults and children alike. With the proper care of your Ball Python can live for many years and will make a wonderful pet.

Learn how to avoid a python strike in this free video on caring for a pet snake. Expert: Nicole Bragg

The breeding season in Ball Pythons begins when the temperature drops and the humidity level increases. I keep my temps at about 85 ° during the day and about 75 ° at night. This time usually occurs around November and lasts until about January. The eggs are incubated usually around April to May. Most breeders will artificially incubate the eggs to control temps and moisture better, although some are left with the female eggs to hatch out. The problem with this method is that it is difficult to control the environment.

The total time it takes from copulation to birth is about 7 months 21 days. This varies, however, with his introduction, when the male and female when you start changing the environment.

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A doctor in Durban, South Africa, is suing an automobile firm for $1,200 because the engine of his new car was ruined by a hungry snake. It seems that the snake chased a mouse into the auto’s engine. Mechanics checking the inoperative vehicle were said to have found what was left of a snake and a mouse twisted around the camshaft sprocket.

The Indonesian newspaper Terbit reported recently that a bulldozer working at a forested construction site came upon two giant pythons blocking the way. The bulldozer operator battled with the serpents for about an hour and a half before he was able to crush one of the huge creatures. The other escaped into the forest. When the dead serpent was examined, a grisly discovery was made - the remains of four humans inside the python! Two of them had only recently been devoured, as they were still wearing shirts and trousers. Two automatic watches were also found still running.

The wedding marks the beginning of a new way of life for the couple. However, they will not be the only ones affected. Since the marriage of a daughter, a son, a sister, or a brother often means that a loved one is setting up a separate household, the family will oftenMore… experience mixed feelings.

Aside from that, wedding today involved big money. Many firms promote the image of the “perfect” wedding, where nothing is lacking. After all, they imply, “this is the happiest day of your life!” They thus offer a host of products and services “essential” to make your big day “perfect.” There may be wedding invitations, your “dream” gown, gowns for the bridesmaids, and tuxedos or similar suits for the men in the wedding party. Then, too, there are flowers, limousines, perhaps a restaurant where a banquet will be served, a photographer, a band, save the date cards provide the perfect way to let your loved ones know you’ve set a date and other items. The list of all that a bride and groom could possibly desire, as well as the accompanying list of expenses, can make many fathers shudders.

Despite all the stress, many have successfully dealt with the wedding details and have enjoyed the occasion. Their experiences may help others who are preparing to face the same event. So, wedding is a joyful occasion if you’re prepared it well. Don’t forget to send me wedding invitations!!!