Japanese Pit Viper

 The Japanese Pit Viper is also called  several names that include the Japanese mamushi, Qichun snake and soil snake viper. There are four subspecies of this Pit Viper, of which the mamushi Pit Viper is one of the most dangerous animals in Japan. The Japanese Pit Viper is a medium-sized Viper and accounts for nearly 3,000 bites in Japan each year; of these, at least ten people die annually. Experts consider the snake to be the most venomous in Japan. So, if you happen to chance upon one of these snakes, it’s best to steer clear. What's more, it is one of the most familiar snake species to Japanese people due to its nutritional and medicinal value, as well as its venomous nature. 

The body pattern of these Japanese Pit Vipers consists of a pale gray, reddish-brown, or yellow-brown background, overlaid with a series of irregularly-shaped lateral blotches. These blotches are bordered with black and often have lighter centers. Their head is dark brown or black, oval is usually on the darker side and either side of the face are dark stripes. The dorsal surface is heavily keeled, this feature allows the reptile to move through the grass and woodland with ease. The tail is short and tapered. The eyes are round and large. The two fangs on the upper jaw are needle-like and connect to the venomous gland in the jaw. When fully mature, the Japanese Pit Viper will grow to a length of 25-31 inches (63-76 cm). Most are around 25-26 inches (63-66 cm), and have a stocky build and are muscular.

These snakes lead a solitary life, only coming together during mating. It is a lethargic snake and prefers to be left alone. They are active during the day spending most of their time hiding and waiting for their prey to pass by. Japanese Pit Viper are typically ambush predators that use their excellent camouflage to hide in vegetation or leaf litter. They are carnivores and feed mainly on rodents, but also small birds, lizards, and insects. Unfortunately, if humans chance upon one of these snakes, they will defend their solitude and can be quite aggressive. The reptile is very short-tempered and gets easily irritated. Even at the slightest confrontation, it does not hesitate to strike. Japanese Pit Viper is not afraid of intruders. It does not back down and it is best to avoid the snake.

Unlike other vipers, the Japanese Pit Viper does not pursue its prey but lays hidden and ambushes any intruder. The viper bites the prey when on striking distance, and most of the prey die within minutes. The viper swallows whole the prey after its death.Most people get bitten by the Japanese Pit Viper at night when the snake is most active. The Viper frequents and hides in the rice paddies, resulting in many encounters with humans. Most humans get bitten in the rice fields or while walking through muddy fields or damp grass--- a habitat that is preferred by the Japanese Pit Viper  In the rice paddies, the majority of bites are on the extremities. If bitten by this deadly Japanese viper, one should immediately seek treatment. When a bite occurs, most people require treatment in the hospital for 5-10 days. Because the toxin can affect breathing, damage the kidneys, and cause significant internal bleeding some individuals may require admission to the intensive care unit. There is an antivenom available in Korea, Japan, and China, which can quickly neutralize the toxins. In Japan each year nearly 3,000 people suffer the snake’s bite, and at least 10 die.