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Snakebites

Osprey - 12-29-2006 at 10:36 AM

My gardener killed another Lyre snake not far from the village at a little rancho. He says his uncle was bit in the back by one when he laid down on a bed. He told be of 2 or 3 serious other bites around here by the same kind of snake that were almost fatal to the victim -- in on the upper leg, one on the arm. Since the Baja California Lyre snake is small, has rear fangs and not very toxic venom the stories sound unlikely --- I have heard other stories from other neighbors. They call the snakes "Sorda", Deaf I guess because it shakes the tail like a rattler (many snakes do that) but it makes no sound like the rattler. Could there be another specie out there the herpetoligists don't know about? I can't call all my neighbors liars on this one. Any snake doctors out there? Here's a picture.

Oops on photo

Osprey - 12-29-2006 at 10:37 AM

Baja Calif. Lyre Snake.jpg - 39kB

Natalie Ann - 12-29-2006 at 10:39 AM

I'd like to see that picture, amigo. Please try again.

And do you mean the fangs are at the rear of the snake?

Edit: thanx for the picture

Nena

[Edited on 12-29-2006 by Natalie Ann]

longlegsinlapaz - 12-29-2006 at 10:42 AM

I assumed Osprey meant fangs at the rear of the mouth, not rear of the snake!! :lol:

FARASHA - 12-29-2006 at 11:03 AM

found some more pics and info in the www.californiaherps.com site, says there that they are not very venomous, but CAN cause in some people strong reaction - Allergic??

Skeet/Loreto - 12-29-2006 at 11:03 AM

Could be that it is a Western Leaf-nosed Snake-Coils and Hisses and strikes like a Rattler.

Reported to be Excellent Eating when used in a Stew with Potatoes and Onions.
Skeet

Natalie Ann - 12-29-2006 at 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz
I assumed Osprey meant fangs at the rear of the mouth, not rear of the snake!! :lol:

ooohhh... thank you. :?:

FARASHA - 12-29-2006 at 11:06 AM

Mildly Venomous
One of the larger rear-fanged snakes, but considered harmless to humans, but handle with caution, as some people have had unpleasant reactions to this snake's bite.
Size
Trimorphodon biscutatus have been recorded from 18 - 47 3/4 inches in length (46 - 121 cm). Most snakes encountered are 24 - 36 inches long (61 - 91 cm).
Appearance
A slender snake with a broad head well-differentiated from the slim neck. Coloring closely matches a snake's rocky habitat, from gray to light brown. There are usually about 28 large dorsal blotches with light edges and a pale crossbar in the center, and smaller irregular blotches on the lower sides. A lyre-shaped marking is present on top of the head. The pupils are vertical, like those of a cat. The underside is off-white or yellowish with dark spots. The anal plate is usually divided.
Behavior
Nocturnal, active in very dry conditions as well as during rains. Terrestrial, and good climbers. This snake often searches rock crevices for prey. It can be found during the day inside crevices in large rock outcrops, as well as crossing desert roads at night.
Diet
Primarily lizards, but also known to eat small mammals, nestling birds, and snakes.
Reproduction
Not well known. Lyre snakes apparently originated in the tropics, where breeding is year round, and the northern races may have retained this capability.
Range
In California, found only in the southeast along the Colorado River from approximately the Riverside/Imperial County line, north into San Bernardino County and the Nevada border. Ranges north into southern Nevada and extreme southwest Utah, through Arizona and extreme southwest New Mexico, south into Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico.
Habitat
Associated primarily with rocky desert locations, but found in rockless areas, also.
Taxonomic Notes

Some researchers classify this snake as Trimorphodon biscutatus - Western Lyre Snake, with no subspecies recognized

Taxonomy
Family Colubridae Colubrids
Genus Trimorphodon Lyresnakes
Species biscutatus Lyresnake
Subspecies

lambda Sonoran Lyresnake

Skeet is correct

Baja Bernie - 12-29-2006 at 11:23 AM

Good in stews. Remove head and rear fangs before cooking. Do what you will with tail.

Also can make a pretty, but small belt. :lol:

Osprey - 12-29-2006 at 11:35 AM

Farasha, the one down here (the one in the picture) is the Baja California Lyre Snake. I can't find anything unusual about this particular snake so it could be that the victim's alergies got in the way, caused the news that now spells death to all Lyre snakes.

I was just hoping somebody knew about other bites down this way and what happened to who. Thanks for the taxo.

fdt - 12-29-2006 at 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto

Reported to be Excellent Eating when used in a Stew with Potatoes and Onions.
Skeet

Tastes like chicken?

Cypress - 12-29-2006 at 01:54 PM

Looks like a "Bull Snake". They've got a real bad attitude, but lack venom. You'd have to be pretty slow if you'd let one of those "back fang" snakes get a grip on you. :biggrin:

Eating snakes? They're sorta boney. :tumble:

Cincodemayo - 12-29-2006 at 05:00 PM

I've met some attorneys with fangs AND venom....the only difference between snakes and attorneys is there is no antivenom for attorney bites...
Only the large hole in the wallet.

If it tastes like chicken, then I prefer chicken

thebajarunner - 12-29-2006 at 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Good in stews. Remove head and rear fangs before cooking. Do what you will with tail.

Also can make a pretty, but small belt. :lol:

Bernie, so how do you fit that sucker thru your belt loops, looks a little thick to me....
and, do you go head first, or tail first,
final question, how do you fasten it in front?? snap the teeth into the tail???

Not when you skin it.

Baja Bernie - 12-29-2006 at 07:45 PM

Cinco....................Sadly I agree...............I would rather be bitten by a snake than a snake with a degree.

shari - 12-30-2006 at 09:13 AM

A little tidbit on snake bones....did you know that many mexicans put 3 small rattlesnake bones on a thread around their babies necks when they start teething? They are totally convinced these 3 little bones take away teething pain so their babies are happier.

Skeet/Loreto - 12-30-2006 at 04:39 PM

Shari! Do you also know that a Misxure of Marijuana/Goat Poop/ Ground Rattlesnake Bones are given to Children for Stomach Problems?

Of Course, being an "Ole Timer" who thinks that anyone who Smokes Dope is a Loser, I have seen its ingestion by Children with Stomach Problems do a good job on the Problem.

Skeet/Loreto

Cypress - 12-30-2006 at 05:12 PM

Way back when, down in the deep south bayou country, they'd put rattle snake rattles inside a guitar and shake it every now and then, sounded pretty neat!! :bounce:

Crusoe - 1-2-2007 at 10:32 AM

An electric shock cure for rattle snake bites.---A great tip I recieved once from a very old Mexican ( remote desert cowboy/ rancher) was to carry a long spark plug wire that coud be inserted into your automobile distibutor, and if you had been bitten by a rattler you could direct the spark from your disrtibutor on the bite and it somehow nuetralized the venom immediatley.I have heard of this cure more than once from old Baja residents.