5 Venomous Snakes in the Philippines (DANGEROUS)
Do you want to learn about the venomous snakes found in the Philippines?
If so, you have come to the right place. In the article below, I have listed the MOST COMMON venomous snakes you can expect to see. If I missed any, please leave a COMMENT at the bottom of the page. 🙂
You’ll see that the venomous snakes in the Philippines are very different from each other. They have different sizes, habitats, and even different types of venom. In addition, certain snakes are common to find living around people. For each species, you will find out how to identify that snake correctly, along with pictures, interesting facts, and RANGE MAPS!
5 Venomous Snakes that Live in the Philippines:
*If you encounter any of these species, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB! Venomous snakes are dangerous animals and should be left alone. The more you agitate them, the more likely you could get bitten. DO NOT RELY ON THIS ARTICLE to correctly identify a snake that has recently bitten you, as colors and patterns can vary widely. If you have recently been bitten, GO DIRECTLY to the nearest hospital to get help and to determine if the snake is venomous.*
#1. King Cobra
- Ophiophagus hannah
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are 3-3.6 m (10-12 ft) long, but the largest specimens can grow up to 5.4 m (18 ft).
- Their coloring is olive green with black and white bands on the body.
- They have a prominent hood that opens in a defensive stance and a rounded nose.
The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the Philippines.
Despite its size, this species is not considered particularly aggressive. It usually avoids humans and slinks off when disturbed. However, it is known to defend incubating eggs aggressively and strikes intruders rapidly. A single attack can deliver multiple bites.
Interestingly, the venom of hatchlings is as potent as the adults’. The babies are brightly marked, but these colors often fade as they mature. In addition, they are often nervous and alert, which makes them highly aggressive if disturbed.
Whether you encounter a juvenile or an adult, giving this dangerous snake a lot of space is recommended. Its bite results in excruciating pain, blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, and even paralysis. If the bite victim doesn’t receive medical help, they can die from cardiovascular and respiratory failure within 30 minutes of the bite. Stay back!
#2. Chinese Sea Krait
- Laticauda semifasciata
Also known as Black-banded Sea Krait and the Chinese Sea Snake.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are thick-bodied, about 170 cm (67 in) long on average.
- Designed for underwater exploration, this snake has a short, flattened head and a boneless tail that spreads widely like a majestic fin.
- Some specimens are uniform-colored, while some have prominent dark bands along their bodies.
In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the Chinese Sea Krait makes its home. While this venomous species is usually found in southern Asia, scientists have made a remarkable discovery. Due to climate change and habitat deterioration, the Chinese Sea Krait has been venturing farther north beyond its usual territories, even appearing in Russia once!
The Chinese Sea Krait is living proof of nature’s incredible adaptability. Unable to chase fish in open water due to its slower speed, it cunningly forms an alliance with the more agile Bluefin Trevally (fish). Together, they flush out prey from narrow cracks in the reefs, sharing the spoils afterward.
Though you’ll rarely encounter this sea serpent, be careful anyway when you’re out for a swim. The Chinese Sea Krait’s venom is ten times more potent than a cobra’s, swiftly paralyzing its prey.
#3. Common Seasnake
- Enhydrina schistosa
Also known as Beaked Sea Snake, Hook-nosed Sea Snake, Valakadeyan Sea Snake.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are 91-152 cm (36-60 in) long on average.
- Their pointy snouts hook downwards over the lips and have bigger scales than the rest of the body.
- Coloration is usually gray on top, with faint dark bars across the body. These snakes are whitish or yellowish on the sides and bottom.
The venomous Common Sea Snake loves to hang out in the tropical waters of the Philippines.
This agile swimmer has some impressive skills. It can dive down to a jaw-dropping 100 meters (328 feet) and stay underwater for up to five hours! Like an oar, it uses its tail to navigate the water.
But watch out; the Common Sea Snake’s venom is twice as potent as many land-dwelling snakes. A single bite is enough to take down 50 humans; That’s some serious firepower! So, if you ever encounter one, remember to give it the respect it deserves and keep your distance.
Common Sea Snakes have quite the appetite when it’s time to dine. Their favorite meals include fish, shrimp, and catfish. Sadly, these captivating creatures face threats such as pollution, habitat loss, and getting tangled in fishing nets. They’re even hunted for their meat, skin, organs, and venom (which is used to create antivenoms).
#4. Philippine Common Cobra
- Naja philippinensis
Also known as Northern Philippine Cobra, Philippine Cobra, Philippine Spitting Cobra.
Identifying Characteristics:
- On average, adults measure around 100 cm (39.4 in) in length. Some individuals can reach up to 160 cm (63 in).
- Adults have a light to medium brown color, while juveniles are darker brown.
- They have elliptical heads that are slightly distinct from the neck. The snout is short and rounded, with big nostrils.
The Philippine Cobra is found exclusively in the Philippines.
These venomous creatures are quite the adventurers: you can spot them in low-lying plains, forests, open fields, and jungles. They even love chilling in the water, such as ponds, rivers, or just big puddles!
Philippine Cobra Range Map
Philippine Cobras are quite the hunters, preying on small mammals, frogs, lizards, birds, eggs, and even other snakes. Alas, sometimes, they’re the ones being hunted. Their predators include birds of prey, mongooses, and the bigger and more fearsome King Cobra.
Foraging for mice—their favorite snack—often brings Philippine Cobras near human settlements, so watch out! Although they’re shy creatures that prefer to escape when confronted, they won’t hesitate to bite or spit venom if they feel cornered. Their venom, among the most potent in the cobra family, can lead to respiratory failure and death.
#5. Oriental Whipsnake
- Ahaetulla prasina
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults grow up to 1.8 m (6 ft) long.
- This species has a slender body with a long, pointed snout.
- Their coloring varies from light brown to dull yellow-green and fluorescent green. Some individuals have a checkered pattern of light and dark green scales.
Oriental Whipsnakes are mildly venomous, but the toxins are not strong enough to hurt humans in the Philippines. If you see one, observe from a respectful distance, but you don’t need to rush away.
The Oriental Whipsnake is one of the most colorful snakes in the Philippines! Its impressive range of colors makes it difficult to recognize because individuals look so different from one another. However, the slender body and incredibly large, spade-shaped head should help with your identification.
This species is arboreal and usually lives in forest edge habitats such as parklands, rural agricultural areas, and wooded residential areas. It’s also a diurnal snake, so the best place to find one is sunbathing or hunting during the day. They eat small nesting birds, lizards, and tree frogs.
Do you want to learn about other animals in the Philippines?
If so, check out these guides!
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5 COMMON Types of Snakes Found in the Philippines!
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15 Common Birds That Live in the Philippines!
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13 Types of Spiders You Can Find in the Philippines.
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2 Types of MONKEYS That Live in the Philippines
Which of these snakes have you seen before in the Philippines?
Leave a COMMENT below!
