Mount Elgon is home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes. Most snakes are shy and will only become dangerous if disturbed.
Venomous Snakes in Mount Elgon
- Black Forest Cobra: The Black Forest Cobra is large and very dangerous. It lives in the forested areas of the park. When disturbed, it spreads its hood as a warning.
- Puff Adder: The Puff Adder has a heavy body and is often found in the lower savannah and rocky areas. It uses camouflage to blend with its surroundings, making it easy for people to step on it by mistake. Its venom is cytotoxic, and this snake is responsible for many bites in Africa.
- Egyptian Cobra: The Egyptian Cobra is another large and highly venomous snake. It is usually found in the dry, lower elevation areas of the mountain.
- Boomslang: The Boomslang is green or brown and lives in the forest canopies. It is shy and hard to spot in trees. Its venom is hemotoxic.
- Mount Elgon Bush Viper: This snake is unique to Mount Elgon. It is black with green patterns. It is venomous but lives in remote areas, so encounters with people are rare.
Non-Venomous Snakes in Mount Elgon
- Brown House Snake: The Brown House Snake is harmless and common. It often lives near human settlements such as park buildings, where it hunts rodents.
- Olive Grass Snake: The Olive Grass Snake is fast and usually moves through grass or low bushes while hunting frogs and lizards.
- Common Egg Eater: The Common Egg Eater is a non-venomous snake that feeds on bird eggs. When threatened, it hisses and coils its body like a viper to scare predators.
Safety Tips When Hiking
When hiking, watch carefully where you step, especially in tall grass and rocky areas. Do not sit or place your hands without checking first. Always stick to marked trails.
If you see a snake, give it space and never try to kill it, as this increases the risk of being bitten. At night, use a flashlight because many snakes are active after dark.
In case of a snake bite, stay calm to slow the spread of venom and seek medical help immediately.
Snakes in Mount Elgon National Park play an important role in balancing the ecosystem by feeding on rodents.
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