Mole Snake

scientific name

pseudapsis cana

size/weight/height

Length: 5'; occasionally over 6.5'

adaptations/coloration

Color: from light gray, brown, reddish-brown to black; adults 1 color; young blotched colors
Body: stout; muscular
Head: narrow
Scales: smooth
Tail: wedge-shaped; constrictor

behavior

Activity: day/night; spends most of their time underground
Personality: young ferocious when threatened, adults no less so

reproduction/lifespan

Hatching: eggs hatch internally (ovoviviparous)
Young: 8 - 10"; don't resemble adults
Litters: average 3 - 6 dozen; record = 95
Mating: October - April

diet

Wild: small mammals (rats, mice jerboas, moles); eggs when other food not available
Zoo: mice

habitat/range

grasslands; savanna; sandy open woodlands; adjacent rocky foothills; Kenya south to Southern Africa, west to Angola

status

not listed

oregon zoo exhibit

Africa Savanna

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