It’s an animal term, it’s also a gambling term.

So before I left everyone kept telling me to be careful of snakes. I must say I was a bit nervous when I would hike up the mountains walking through tall grass in shorts. Probably not my best move. Little did I know that the first steps right outside the front door are much more treacherous. I guess now is a good time to introduce you all to Mr. Puff Adder. Niel (pictured above) and his wife Alece were a little surprised to find this fellow sitting right outside their front door the other day. Alece stayed calm like all women do in this situation and Niel, like every man went running for a weapon. Everyone made it out ok, but I decided to see what we were up against.

He must have been lost
Most bites to humans occur because the Puff Adder is common near human habitation, it frequently basks on or near foot paths, and when approached it will remain motionless relying on its camouflage to avoid detection. It gets its name from its habit of inflating its body and emitting a deep, low warning hiss to warn intruders to stay away. It’s also one of the three largest vipers of Africa. Crap.

Looks Slow
The Puff Adder is a very slow moving, lethargic snake that doesn’t move around very much, however, it is capable of short bursts of speed when attempting to escape. Regardless of its normal sluggishness, the Puff Adder is one of the fastest striking snakes in the world. Crap.

Harmless
The Puff Adder has a very well developed venom delivery system. The approximate lethal dose of venom for humans is 100mg. and from 100-350mg. may be injected in a single bite. The symptoms of Puff Adder envenomation may include: intense pain, massive swelling, abdominal cramping, high fever, the victim may go in and out of shock, breathing may become increasingly difficult, there is usually extensive subcutaneous bruising and blood blisters form rapidly. Death has occurred in under thirty-minutes from intravenous injection of venom, resulting in catastrophic circulatory collapse. Death sometimes occurs from anaphylactic shock or organ failure due to the extensive swelling. Oh, crap.

So yea, this is no garden snake.

1. Scott Hopkins said...

    

   So is Mr. Puff Adder already deceased in the picture due to the use of said weapons, or has Niel pulled a “Croc Hunter” and grabbed it by the tail ALIVE, exclaiming “Look at this size of this! He’s a real beauty!”?

   Just wondering how you crazy missionaries solved the problem!