The Rhinoceros Viper (aka River Jack)

Note the very well developed rostral horns of the Rhinoceros Viper. By Dick and Patti Bartlett In its natural habitat of fallen, often wet, forest floor debris the almost gaudy colors of the Rhinoceros Viper, Bitis nascicornis, may render the snake nearly invisible Found primarily in the rainforest belt from West Africa to western East Africa, this magnificent, heavy bodied, 2 to 3 ½ foot long snake is both beautiful and dangerous. The head is narrower than the body. Two to 3 pairs of upward directed, elongate (horn-like) scales are present on the tip of the snout. Color and pattern consist of saddles, bands, and other markings. The top of the head is blue or green at the edges but with a central black arrow. The overall appearance of this snake is often darkened or nearly obliterated by a coating of mud. The females are the larger gender A nocturnal ambush predator, this primarily terrestrial snake seems a bit less likely to strike during the daylight hours than at night. Prey varies from small mammals to amphibians, and reportedly, fish. Neonates, which may number from 6 to 36, are about 8 ½ inches in length. Strongly neurotoxic, the venom also contains hemotoxin.

Two color phases of the Rhinoceros Viper.

Beautiful and heavy bodied, adults are often duller in color than young examples.