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Bermuda-Government treating snake on a beach rumou
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by tigers9 on May 20, 2008
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http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d85a2f30030011§ionId=60
Published: May 20. 2008 08:41AM
Government treating snake on a beach rumour with suspicion
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By Tim Smith
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Puff Adder: Africa's most deadly snake is rumoured to have been spotted on a South Shore beach.
A rumour of a deadly snake on the loose on a beach has prompted a warning from Government.
According to an e-mail circulating the Island, a puff adder — described as bad-tempered and excitable and considered to be Africa's most dangerous snake — has been spotted on the South Shore.
The Ministry of Environment has received the e-mail and is treating it with suspicion, but put out a statement yesterday evening telling people what to do if they stumble across the snake.
"The Department of Environmental Protection within the Ministry of the Environment and Sports has seen the e-mail that is circulating today concerning a sighting of a snake on a South Shore beach," said the statement.
"Although we are suspicious about the authenticity of the e-mail we advise that if any member of the public does see such an animal they should not attempt to capture it.
"Instead, they should contact the Department of Environmental Protection on 236-4201 and trained members of staff can respond to the sighting."
It adds: "We would also encourage the person who made the original report to contact the Department so that we can follow up on this sighting."
The circulated e-mail contains no information about where and when the snake was found, except a reference to unnamed South Shore beaches.
It does not say who made the discovery, or explain why that person did not report it to the authorities, and offers few clues as to how the viper, most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, came to wash up in Bermuda.
However, the message does contain enough facts about puff adders to put the frighteners on anybody unlucky enough to come into contact with one.
The second largest of the dangerous vipers, puff adders are generally about 1.2 metres long, yellowish, light brown or orange with chevron-shaped dark brown or black bars. They are largely nocturnal, hunting at night and seeking shelter during the day.
A puff adder is not shy when approached. It draws its head close to its coils, makes a loud hissing sound and is quick to strike any intruder.
When annoyed, a puff adder strikes vigorously in all directions and is capable of a lightning fast sideways strike without withdrawing its head. Its enemies, according to the e-mail, include man.
Its venom destroys blood cells and causes extensive tissue damage, with victims advised to get to hospital as soon as possible.
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RE: Bermuda-Government treating snake on a beach r
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by Cro on May 22, 2008
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I find this story interesting.
There are no native snakes in Bermuda.
However, the annonomous person who reprted the Puff Adder was specific enough to describe an African snake that should not be there at all.
Makes me wonder if someone illegally brought one to the island, and that it excaped, and that the person was trying to warn folks not to mess with it if they found it ??????
Best Regards JohnZ
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