Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what snake was called the three step in Vietnam?

Usually, whatever snake the people in a particular location are most afraid of.

I also get the distinct feeling from talking to a few that soldiers in vietnam were told the story of the 3-step snake (or 6, 2, or 1 depending on the teller), by their CO's who just wanted them to stay away from any snakes they saw...

And, just in case you hadn't guessed, there is no snake in the world that will drop you in a couple of steps...unless you are so scared that you faint, which might be the basis of the legend...

tunnel rats were warned that many tunnels were boobytrapped with vipers. they would secure the snake in a position where the closest thing to strike at was the face/neck of the person attempting to penetrate the tunnel.

im not sure what species of vipers were available but its safe to say that if you get nailed in the artery (or vein) on either side of the neck, 3 steps may not be off the mark..

Maybe you're right. Being that it was Vietnam, I was thinking it might have been a krait.
Bill Huseth