Hey guys
I got an interesting facebook message from a non-herp friend today. Her sister is in Indonesia and was just bitten by a small snake, and nobody seems able to ID it.



It appears at first glance to be an Indonesian Garter, and then Billy Brown suggested a Kukri Snake (Oligodon octolineatus) which seems to match the head markings very well.

I have heard the term "Indonesian Garter" has been used for many snakes, some of which are harmless and some of which possess a mild rear-fanged venomous bite. Here is the report of the bite from my friend's sister, who sent me the photo:

"it is from indonesia and bethany got bit by it and no one over there knows what kind it is. she went to the hospital and and they wanted to cut her finger open but she said no and another doctor said stay there for three hours and if she doesn't get an infection she should be good. She only has a swelling and bruising...thanks again"

Any thoughts on ID and possible effects of a "mild envenomation"? I will work on gathering more info from their end, but any thoughts on this snake would be great in the mean time!

Thanks,
Jesse
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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
www.forgottenfriend.org

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