Classifying snakes solely as venomous or nonvenomous can problematic, as many snakes in the Philippines possess venom but do not pose a threat to humans.
Why Do Snakes Bite Humans?
Snakes typically do not view humans as prey and will only bite humans as a last resort if they feel threatened or cornered. Snakes have a natural instinct to defend themselves when they feel threatened, and biting is their primary form of self-defense.
Classification of Snake in the Philippines Based on Their Potential Harm
Snakes are fascinating creatures that can elicit fear in many people due to their potential to cause harm. However, not all snakes are dangerous to humans, and even among venomous snakes, there are varying degrees of danger. In the Philippines, snakes may be divided into four classes based on their potential to cause harm: harmless, nonvenomous but sharp teeth, venomous, and highly venomous.
Class 1: HARMLESS
These are non-venomous snakes and do not inflict severe bite wounds that may require medical care.
Meet the Harmless Philippine Rat Snake - a beautifully-patterned serpent that poses no threat to humans and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Class 2: NON-VENOMOUS BUT SHARP TEETH
These are non-venomous snakes, but may inflict a painful and severe bite wound which may require medical care.
Pythons and kukris are classified as non-venomous but sharp teeth. They are capable of more serious flesh wounds which may require medical attention
Class 3: VENOMOUS
These snakes may cause medically significant envenomations. Their bites can cause a range of symptoms, from mild, such as pain and swelling at the site of the bite, to severe, such as paralysis, breathing difficulties, and even death. While fatalities are possible, they are not common if medical care is received promptly or if the envenomation is not severe enough to be life-threatening.
Class 4: HIGHLY VENOMOUS
These snakes are the most dangerous and are capable of causing a fatal bite. They are likely to cause severe symptoms, and fatalities have been reported. A bite from a highly venomous snake is a medical emergency, and prompt medical care is required to increase the chances of survival.
The Samar cobra is classified as a highly venomous species of spitting cobra native to the Visayas and Mindanao island groups of the Philippines.
Every snake bite should be treated as a medical emergency — unless you’re absolutely sure that the bite came from a non-venomous snake.
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Why not just classify snake bites as either non-venomous or venomous?
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How is it possible to be bitten by a venomous snake and still live?
There are many venomous snakes in the Philippines that may not pose a threat to humans, either because their venom is not potent enough to cause severe symptoms or because the bite occurs too quickly for the venom to take effect.
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What exactly does "harmless" mean?
Being labeled as harmless does not guarantee that the snake won't bite. All snakes have a tendency to bite as a form of self-defense if they feel threatened. The term 'harmless' implies that if someone does get bitten, the consequences will not be as severe compared to a venomous snake. This may include no envenomation and less severe bite wounds.
MORE ABOUT SNAKES
Ultimate Guide To Snake-Proof Your Campsite
Camping in the wilderness of the Philippines offers an opportunity to connect with nature, but it also brings you face to face with the local wildlife, including snakes.
List of Snakes in the Philippines
The Philippines boasts a rich and diverse spectrum of snake species, characterized by unique adaptations and ecological significance. This list contains snake species commonly found in the Philippines, from benign rat snakes to venomous king cobras.
10 Ridiculous Snake Myths That Need To Die
The brutal culture of snake killing in the Philippines is often influenced by these 10 ridiculous myths. Let's debunk them and uncover the truth.
Challenges Of Identifying Snakes
When an average traveller comes across a snake in the wild, they just want to know if it is venomous or not. However, identifying a snake can be tricky due to various factors.
Treatment Centers For Snakebites
The Philippines has several treatment centers for snakebites, offering medical care and antivenom therapy to reduce the risk of serious complications and improve patient outcomes.
First Aid For Snake Bites
Although rare, snake bites can occur unexpectedly while hiking, camping or exploring and if not treated properly, can pose a significant danger.
Preventing Snakebites
The majority of snakes in the Philippines are not venomous, but some species can be dangerous and potentially lethal. Here are some tips to help mitigate the hazard of incurring a snake bite.
Classifying Snake Bites
Not all snake bites are created equal: While some can be dangerous, many are treatable and non-life-threatening.
