Photo: Carl Moller

 

This is a Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata), a common animal in the Burnett Mary region.

 
For many years, a common saying was “The only good snake is a dead snake.” In these more enlightened times, most people realise that snakes are an important part of the environment, and if left alone, do no harm.

 
This snake is non-venomous and totally harmless.  It is variable in colour, and can be either olive-green, various shades of brown, black, even blue and turquoise. Under threat, the snake raises itself, revealing splashes of blue between its scales, as can be seen here.

 
They are active during the day in trees and on the ground, feeding mostly on frogs and birds, while at night, they usually sleep in tree hollows, crevices and foliage.

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