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Canada's Species   Amphibians and reptiles

Night Snake

Hypsiglena torquata

Distinctly viperid with its vertical pupils and its poisonous bite, the night snake stands out among colubrids. Its venom, toxic to lizards and amphibians, is injected through enlarged teeth at the back of the jaw. The venom is not thought to be dangerous to humans. It has only recently been added to the Canadian herpetofauna after a permanent population was found in the lower Okanagan valley in British Columbia. As its name implies, it is active at night.

Map of Night Snake in Canada
Distribution of Night Snake in Canada
   
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