The Rufous Beaked Snake is a species of colubrid from West Africa. It is named for its hooked snout, which it uses to dig burrows, and reddish-brown back scales. It hunts small animals during the day with the help of its venomous bite. It is large and stout, with males reaching a maximum length of 3.6 feet (1.1 meters) and females a bit shorter. It has a shortened skull, as with all beaked snakes, giving it a clear distinction between its head and body, as well as a dark brown eyestripe running down the side of its head. Its eyes are large with round pupil. Its belly is cream or yellowish-white. Diurnal animals, Rufous Beaked Snakes hunt small animals, including other snakes, but stay in burrows during the hottest part of the day. In the summer, females lay 8-17 cylindrical eggs. The snake's venom, one of its components of which is a neurotoxin called rufoxin, causes hypotension and circulatory shock in small mammals, but is not dangerous to humans. Info from Wikipedia. Photo taken at the Naples Zoo. Zoom if you dare. Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana