Keelback Snake: A Guide to the Freshwater Snake Species
Table of Contents
You’ve probably heard of the Keelback Snake, but how much do you really know about this fascinating freshwater semi-aquatic snake species? As one of Australia’s native snakes, it’s often misunderstood and mistaken for its more dangerous cousins.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a concerned parent, or simply curious about local wildlife, understanding this snake’s behaviour and habitat is essential.
From its unique characteristics to common myths surrounding it, there’s more to the common Keelback than meets the eye. Discover why this non-venomous serpent plays a significant role in our ecosystems and learn how to safely coexist with it in your outdoor adventures.
Keelback Snake or Fresh Water Snake (Tropidonophis Mairii)
You’ll find the Keelback Snake, also known as the Fresh Water Snake, to be a fascinating non-venomous species native to Australia.
It’s typically 60-75 cm long, with some reaching up to 1 metre, and prefers moist environments near freshwater sources.
You can identify this snake by its olive-brown to grey colouration with dark cross-bands, strongly keeled scales, and a slightly upturned mouth that gives it a ‘smiling’ appearance.
Description & Appearance
In light of its unique characteristics, the Keelback snake (Tropidonophis mairii) stands out among Australian serpents. Also known as the Fresh Water snake, this non-venomous species is found throughout northern and eastern Australia.
When you encounter a Keelback snake, you’ll notice its moderate size, usually ranging from 60-75 cm in length, though some can reach up to 1 metre. The snake’s colouration is mainly olive to grey or brown with irregular dark cross-bands, featuring irregular dark cross-bands along its body.
One of its most distinctive features is its strongly keeled scales, which give the snake its name and a rough texture. You’ll also observe its cream-coloured belly, often tinged with pink or orange body scales along the edges.
While the Keelback snake isn’t highly venomous, it’s essential to treat all snake encounters with caution due to potential misidentification. This species is sometimes confused with the venomous Rough-scaled Snake, so it’s best to maintain a safe distance and seek professional help if you’re unsure of the snake’s identity.
Average Length
The average length of a Keelback snake falls within a specific range, making it a medium-sized serpent in Australia’s diverse snake population. You’ll typically find adult Keelbacks measuring between 60 to 75 centimetres long. However, some exceptional individuals can reach up to 1 metre in length. This size range places the Keelback snake firmly in the category of medium-sized Australian snakes.
When you encounter a Keelback snake in Australia, you’ll notice its distinctive appearance. The chequered keelback pattern and distinct raised longitudinal ridge give it a unique texture. Despite its non-venomous nature, it’s essential to treat any keelback snake bite with caution, as misidentification can occur.
Characteristic | Measurement |
Minimum Length | 60 cm |
Average Length | 60-75 cm |
Maximum Length | 100 cm |
Body Width | 2-3 cm |
The fresh water snake size varies depending on factors such as age, diet, and habitat. While Keelbacks aren’t the largest snakes you’ll find in Australia, their medium size allows them to thrive in various aquatic environments, making them a fascinating species to observe in their natural habitat.
Habits & Behaviour
Moving from size to behaviour, Keelback snakes exhibit fascinating habits that set them apart from other Australian serpents. You’ll find these unique creatures active both day and night, adapting their routines to temperature fluctuations.
Unlike many snakes, Keelbacks are semi-aquatic, often spotted near freshwater sources in Queensland (QLD) and other parts of northern and eastern Australia. You might spot Keelbacks in various habitats, from eucalypt forests to suburban areas with access to water. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments showcases their adaptability.
If you’re curious about their diet, Keelback snakes primarily feast on frogs, tadpoles, and small fish. Remarkably, they’re one of the few Australian species that can safely consume toxic cane toads.
Identifying Keelback Snakes
Keen observers can learn to identify Keelback snakes (Tropidonophis mairii) with practice and attention to detail. These non-venomous snakes typically measure 60-75 cm in length, with some reaching up to 1 metre.
You’ll notice their olive brown to grey colouration, marked by irregular dark cross-bands and small flecks along the body. One of the most distinctive features is their strongly keeled scales, which give the snake its name and a rough texture.
Look for their cream-coloured belly, often tinged with pink or orange along the edges. Their slightly upturned mouth creates a ‘smiling’ appearance, setting them apart from other species, while their scales are strongly keeled.
When counting scales, you’ll find 15 (rarely 17) midbody scale rows and divided subcaudal scales. These characteristics help distinguish Keelbacks from the venomous Rough-scaled Snake (Tropidechis carinatus), which they’re often confused with.
Habitat & Common Encounter Scenarios
Understanding how to identify Keelback snakes is valuable, but it’s equally important to know where you’re likely to encounter them. These non-venomous snakes are often found near freshwater sources, so you’re most likely to spot them around dams, creeks, and swamps. They’re also comfortable in eucalypt forests and even suburban areas with access to water, particularly in south-east Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
You might encounter Keelbacks during both day and night, as they’re active at various times depending on temperature. When exploring these areas, be alert for their olive-brown to grey colouration and distinctive keeled scales. Remember, they’re excellent swimmers, so don’t be surprised to see them in or near water.
A quick reference for common encounter scenarios:
Location | Time of Day | Behaviour |
Creeks | Day/Night | Swimming |
Dams | Day | Basking |
Gardens | Night | Hunting |
If you do encounter a Keelback, maintain a safe distance. While they’re non-venomous, it’s best to treat all snake encounters with caution. These snakes are generally shy and will likely retreat if given the opportunity.
Are Keelback Snakes Venomous?
You’ll be relieved to know that Keelback snakes are non-venomous and generally harmless to humans.
However, it’s essential to treat any snake encounter with caution, as Keelbacks can be easily mistaken for venomous species like the Rough-scaled Snake.
To stay safe, always maintain a respectful distance from snakes, wear protective footwear in their habitats, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten, regardless of the snake’s perceived identity.
Venom Composition and Effects
Keelback snakes aren’t venomous, which sets them apart from many of their highly venomous rough-scaled snake Australian counterparts. Unlike their venomous relatives, these freshwater snakes don’t possess any venom glands or fangs for injecting toxins. This means that if you’re bitten by a Keelback, you won’t experience the typical effects associated with venomous snake bites, such as tissue damage, blood clotting issues, or neurological symptoms.
However, it’s important to remember that Keelback snakes can still bite if threatened, and their bite may cause:
- Minor pain or discomfort at the bite site
- Slight swelling or redness
- Potential for bacterial infection if not properly cleaned
- Psychological stress due to the fear of snake bites
While Keelbacks don’t produce venom, they’ve evolved other fascinating adaptations. They’re one of the few Australian snakes that can safely consume toxic introduced cane toads, thanks to their unique physiology.
This ability highlights nature’s incredible diversity and the complex relationships between predators and prey. Despite their non-venomous status, always treat any snake encounter with caution and respect, as misidentification can occur in the field.
Significance to Humans
While Keelback snakes don’t pose a venomous threat, they still hold significant importance for humans as they help control lizard populations in both farmland and suburban localities. You’ll find these non-venomous snakes playing an essential role in Australia’s ecosystems, particularly in controlling frog and fish populations near freshwater sources. Their ability to consume cane toads without succumbing to their toxins makes them valuable in managing this invasive species.
For snake enthusiasts and herpetologists, Keelbacks offer a unique opportunity to study Australia’s only non-venomous, semi-aquatic colubrid snake. Their distinct physical characteristics, such as keeled scales and a slightly upturned mouth, provide interesting subjects for research and observation.
However, you should exercise caution when encountering any snake, including Keelbacks. Their resemblance to the venomous Rough-scaled Snake can lead to misidentification, potentially putting you at risk. If you’re bitten, always seek medical attention and follow proper first aid procedures, including pressure immobilisation bandaging.
In suburban areas near water sources, you might encounter Keelbacks more frequently. While they’re generally harmless, their presence can serve as a reminder of the diverse wildlife that coexists with human populations in Australia.
Danger To Humans
Despite their intimidating appearance, Keelback snakes pose minimal danger to humans. These non-venomous reptiles are generally harmless and prefer to avoid confrontation.
However, it’s vital to treat all snake encounters with caution, as misidentification can occur.
When encountering a Keelback snake, remember these key points:
- Don’t panic: Keelbacks aren’t aggressive. They are reluctant to bite and will likely try to escape if given the chance.
- Keep your distance: While they’re non-venomous, their bite can still be painful and may cause infection.
- Don’t attempt to handle or capture the snake: This increases your risk of being bitten.
- Leave the area calmly: Allow the snake to move away on its own.
If you’re bitten by a Keelback, apply first aid immediately and seek medical attention.
Although their bites aren’t life-threatening, it’s important to have any snake bite professionally evaluated.
Keelbacks can be easily confused with venomous species like the Rough-scaled Snake, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Prevention and Avoidance Strategies
Understanding the nature of Keelback snakes is key to prevention and avoidance. While they’re non-venomous, it’s best to maintain a respectful distance.
To minimise encounters, keep your yard tidy by removing debris, tall grass, and potential food sources that attract frogs and small animals.
If you live near water bodies, be extra vigilant, as Keelbacks prefer moist environments. When walking in their habitat, wear closed shoes and long pants. Stick to clear paths and avoid reaching into dark, damp areas without checking first, especially near creeks and drainage lines.
If you spot a Keelback, don’t attempt to handle or relocate it yourself, as they should be handled firmly only by experienced individuals. Instead, slowly back away and give it space to move on its own. Remember, Keelbacks can be easily confused with venomous species, so treat all snakes with caution.
To snake-proof your home, seal gaps under doors and around windows. Install mesh screens on vents and check them regularly for damage.
If you have a garden pond or water feature, consider installing barriers to deter snakes.
First Aid for a Keelback Snake Bites
If you’re bitten by a Keelback snake, you’ll need to act quickly and calmly.
While Keelbacks are non-venomous, it’s essential to treat every snake bite as potentially dangerous due to possible misidentification.
You should immediately call emergency services, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, and seek medical attention for proper treatment and potential antivenom administration if necessary.
First Aid for Snake Bites
While Keelback snakes are non-venomous, it’s vital to treat any snake bite as potentially dangerous. Misidentification can happen, and it’s better to err on the side of caution.
If you or someone near you is bitten by a snake, follow these first aid steps:
- Call emergency services immediately (000 in Australia).
- Keep the person still and calm to slow potential venom spread.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bite site and entire limb.
- Don’t attempt to catch or kill the snake for identification.
Your priority is safety and getting professional help. Even though Keelbacks are non-venomous, it’s important to seek medical attention for any snake bite. Let the experts make the final determination and provide appropriate treatment.
Don’t wash the bite area, as venom residue can assist with identification. Avoid giving the bitten person food or drink, especially alcohol. Don’t try to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet, as these actions can cause more harm than good.
Keep the pressure immobilisation bandage on until medical professionals instruct you to remove it.
Professional Medical Treatment
After receiving first aid, professional medical treatment is the next step for a Keelback snake bite. Although Keelbacks are non-venomous, medical professionals will treat the bite as potentially venomous until confirmed otherwise. They’ll assess the bite site, monitor crucial signs, and may conduct blood tests to check for envenomation.
If the snake is positively identified as a Keelback, treatment will focus on preventing infection and managing any allergic reactions. However, if there’s any doubt about the snake’s identity, you’ll be treated as if bitten by a venomous snake.
Treatment Step | Purpose |
Observation | Monitor for symptoms of envenomation |
Blood Tests | Check for signs of venom in the system |
Wound Care | Clean and dress the bite site |
Antibiotics | Prevent potential infection |
Myths and Misconceptions
Despite their harmless nature, Keelback snakes are often misunderstood due to several prevalent myths. These misconceptions can lead to unnecessary fear and harmful actions towards these beneficial creatures.
Let’s debunk some common myths about Keelback snakes:
- All snakes are venomous: This isn’t true. Keelbacks are non-venomous and pose no significant threat to humans.
- Keelbacks are aggressive: In reality, they’re quite shy and will try to escape rather than confront you.
- They’re harmful to the ecosystem: Keelbacks actually play a vital role in controlling frog and fish populations.
- You can’t tell them apart from venomous snakes: While similar, Keelbacks have distinct features like keeled scales and a ‘smiling’ mouth.
You might’ve heard that Keelbacks are dangerous swimmers or that they’ll chase you. These are also false. They’re excellent swimmers but prefer to avoid human contact. Remember, most snake bites occur when people try to kill or handle snakes.
If you encounter a Keelback, simply leave it alone. By understanding these creatures better, you’ll appreciate their role in Australia’s diverse ecosystems and help dispel harmful myths.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Activities
When enjoying outdoor activities in areas where Keelback snakes are found, it’s crucial to take proper precautions.
Always wear closed-toe shoes and long trousers when hiking or exploring near water sources. Stay on designated trails and avoid tall grass or dense undergrowth where snakes may hide. Be cautious when stepping over logs or rocks, as snakes often rest in these spots.
Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. Familiarise yourself with the appearance of Keelback snakes to distinguish them from venomous species. If you encounter a snake, remain calm and slowly back away. Don’t attempt to handle or provoke it.
Keep your campsite clean and free of food scraps, which may attract prey animals and, consequently, snakes. Use a torch when walking at night, as Keelbacks are active during both day and night, especially near drainage lines, where they can be confused with the highly venomous Rough-scaled Snake. If you’re camping near water, check your gear regularly for any hidden snakes seeking shelter.
Conclusion
You’ve learnt about the keelback snake, a harmless freshwater species that’s often misunderstood. Remember, it’s not venomous, but always exercise caution. Don’t believe the myths; instead, educate yourself and others. When you’re outdoors, stay alert and respect the snake’s habitat. By understanding this vertebrate, you’re contributing to its conservation. Keep exploring nature, but do so responsibly. Your knowledge can help protect these fascinating creatures and maintain ecological balance.