Beautiful but extremely poisonous snake, bites and kills many people in Vietnam

Dozens of cases of bites by small grass snakes have been recorded in Vietnam, including two deaths in 2009 and 2011. Currently, there is no antivenom serum for this snake species in the world.

The lesser grass snake (Rhabdophis subminiatus) is one of the most colorful snakes found in Vietnam. This snake is widely distributed throughout Vietnam, often found in lowland or mountainous areas. In the world, they are recorded in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.

White snake lips, nape with or without black ring.

This is a small snake, no more than 1.3 meters long. They have a dark blue or dark gray body, with a dark head. The front half of the body often has black stripes, uneven on the back and sides. The snake's lips are white, the nape of the neck may or may not have a black ring. The neck is pale yellow and reddish brown in young animals, which is very clear and fades when mature. The chin and throat are pale white.

This diurnal snake prefers lowland areas with plenty of water in forests and mountains. Its preferred food is amphibians and other small animals in the forest.

Despite its attractive appearance, the small grass snake is a dangerous snake with powerful venom and unpredictable behavior.

This snake has strong venom.

Normally these small snakes are quite docile, ready for humans to hold in their hands. But sometimes they get mad and attack the intruder. People bitten by this snake will experience many serious symptoms, including blood clotting disorders .

Despite their danger, small grass snakes are still hunted as pets.

According to researchers, this snake species is still quite abundant in the wild in Vietnam.