Discover

Today
Animals
Explore
Archive
Search

Use it

Classroom
Resources
Field lab
Quiz
Saved

Trust

Methodology
Sources
Corrections
Accessibility
Contributors

Details

About
Contact
Privacy
Terms
Newsletter

Animal profile

Mole Snake

Pseudaspis cana

ReptiliaGrassland, scrub, sandy soils and mountain slopes with rodent burrow systemsLeast Concern

Field profile

The mole snake is a powerfully built southern African constrictor that hunts underground in rodent burrow systems. Adults are usually plain brown, grey or black, while juveniles are strongly patterned with zigzag markings. It is non-venomous but bites hard when handled.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-09-16

Mole Snake

The mole snake hunts rodents inside their burrows

Pseudaspis cana pursues golden moles and rats through their own tunnel systems, where its prey has no room to flee. Its narrow, hard-edged head and heavy neck muscles are built for digging and for constricting in a confined space.

Read with evidence →

Mole Snake | Daily Animal Facts