Identify this snake

[pete4242]

Hi,

I found today this snake in the pictures attached, inside the house.
I have a daughter of 3 years and I want to be completely sure the house is safe in this sense. Based on the size, it must have hatched really shortly.

Concerns:
1- If the baby snake is found in the house, does it necessarily mean that the mommy is in the house?
2- Can anyone recognise the type of this snake? Is it dangerous?

When I found it, I completely freaked out, took it outside the house and burnt it with a cigarette lighter.
I got a furniture delivery couple of days back, packed in carton boxes. Could it be it was hiding in the cartons at their warehouses. Any prevention measures to take.

- pete

[Tsubaki]

First of all, Welcome. Thanks for trying to learn from this forum. I understand your reaction since you don't know much of snakes, but I hope you will not do this again after reading this. This snake is called a blind snake, or a worm snake. To be specific, considering you're from Lebanon it is most likely a "Typhlops vermicularis" (European blind snake) It does not look like a baby, these are very tiny snakes that are completely harmless to humans (Meaning this was probably the only one). They are so small there is no possible way it could cause harm, even if it tried to bite its tiny mouth can't really do anything. They are pretty rare, and pose no threat to you or your family. It disposes of ants as they are ant eaters!

[Magdalen]

Kind of looks like an earth worm. Looks pretty small. Small enough that you thought it was a baby.

I'm trying hard not to be snarky about the burning part ... so I'll exit.

[Primal Rage]

Originally Posted by Magdalen

Kind of looks like an earth worm. Looks pretty small. Small enough that you thought it was a baby.

I'm trying hard not to be snarky about the burning part ... so I'll exit.

I have faith that the karmic forces of the universe will handle him...

[SerpentineDream]

What kind of sadist burns a living animal to death with a cigarette lighter?

Snakes feel pain. Even if you thought it might be venomous and decided to dispatch it first and ask questions later, there are more humane (and safer) ways to do it.

As it happens, the snake was not only harmless but beneficial. It deserved better.

Normally I try to be kind as I realize that many people just don't know better and come here seeking answers and reassurance (though I wish they'd ask *first* before humanely killing--or just relocating--the animal). But this was extraordinarily cruel as well as unnecessary.

[Plaxito]

Originally Posted by SerpentineDream

What kind of sadist burns a living animal to death with a cigarette lighter?

Snakes feel pain. Even if you thought it might be venomous and decided to dispatch it first and ask questions later, there are more humane (and safer) ways to do it.

As it happens, the snake was not only harmless but beneficial. It deserved better.

Normally I try to be kind as I realize that many people just don't know better and come here seeking answers and reassurance (though I wish they'd ask *first* before humanely killing--or just relocating--the animal). But this was extraordinarily cruel as well as unnecessary.

I agree.
The situation could have been resolved in a much more peaceful and humane manner.

[pete4242]

I really apologise for the situation but you have to put yourself in my shoes!! Zero knowledge about snakes, my daughter of three years in the house.........
Moreover, I really though that it is the small one and was really worried about having the mother in my place with babies hatching in the house.
I can't apologies enough for this! If this matters for the kind of replies I got. it was an impulsive reaction from my side.

@Tsubaki: thank you for the informative reply. I feel even more bad now knowing that it is harmless and rare... I wish things can be undone!!! BTW I am living in Dubai, desert environment.

Apologies to the world!!!

[macandchz]

since you seem apologetic about your actions, i won't comment.