Symptoms and circumstances associated with bites by the brown tree snake (Colubridae: Boiga irregularis) on Guam

Journal of Herpetology
By: , and 

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Abstract

A review of 94 cases of snakebite by the brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis, in Guam spanning a two year period shows a high proportion (80%) involve victims bitten while sleeping in their homes at night. Some bites apparently involve attempts to feed on small children. Of all children less than 1 yr old that were bitten in a two year period, infants 1-3 mo old comprised 82%. The symptoms exhibited by children are more severe than those experienced by adults. The snake is a rear-fanged (i.e., has enlarged and grooved teeth on the posterior maxillae) colubrid with a moderately large Duvernoy's gland.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Symptoms and circumstances associated with bites by the brown tree snake (Colubridae: Boiga irregularis) on Guam
Series title Journal of Herpetology
Volume 28
Issue 1
Year Published 1994
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 27-33
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Herpetology
First page 27
Last page 33
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