Sea Kraits

[shaggybill]

I have always been under the impression that sea kraits were very lethal snakes, however, I was watching Jeff Corwin a while back and he was holding one similarly to how one would hold a boa or python. He also said that they never bite. Is this true?

[Andy_G]

Not really true. Most are extremely docile in nature, but you can be sure there are a few agressive ones. JMO

[BWSmith]

They generally will only bite at night.

[shaggybill]

But their venom is extremely dangerous, right?

[BWSmith]

Yes.

[Edwin]

Originally posted by BWSmith
They generally will only bite at night.

BWSmith, is there any particular reason why?

I have picked up a sea snake before, and they were very calm. I didnt know it was venomous, or else I would have thought twice!!!

[shaggybill]

Wow, if it had been an agressive one, you would have been in some serious trouble...

[BWSmith]

Kraits are a little different than sea snakes. I have HEARD that sea snakes are very calm most of the time (never worked with one myself). It is my understanding the MOST krait bites (very rare) are at night. I have only worked with a few Many Banded Kraits during the day and they were all very docile. The veterans said to never mess with them at night, so I never have and I trust their experience. Of course, you treat them for what they are: VERY DEADLY. Every snake has a bad day :)

[Andy_G]

Sounds odd but since I don't know a lot and you do, i'll take your word for it and won't try anything myself!

[BWSmith]

Kraits are a group of snakes that I am not that well versed in and don't have as much experience as I would like. Unfortunately most do not do well in captivity. I can only speak from what little I do know about them and from what the more experienced have told me.

[Edwin]

Originally posted by shaggybill
Wow, if it had been an agressive one, you would have been in some serious trouble...

Yeah, I know, there is absolutely no way I am going to try that again!! Guess I was really lucky that time. The snake was really sluggish and slow moving, I am not sure if that is representative of the species in general.

BWSmith, I heard of that too, and I attributed it to the fact that they are perhaps more active at night, or that most bites happen at night when it is dark and people accidentally step on them.