African Bush Viper

(Atheris squamigera)

Seneca Park Zoo’s African bush viper resides inside the Animals of the Savanna building, in the micro-habitat tree.

Animal Facts

African bush vipers are ambush predators, and commonly strike their prey while hanging upside down from a tree limb.

There is no antivenom for this species of snake.

African bush vipers are commonly called “green vipers”, however they can be found in variations of red, orange, gray, yellow, black, blue, olive, and brown. They may also change color throughout their lifespan.

They are viviparous, meaning they give live birth.

They are nocturnal which means they sleep during the day and are awake at night which is also when they hunt.

Diet

African bush vipers are carnivorous, and primarily eat small rodents. They may also eat birds, frogs, and small reptiles when available.

Status in The Wild

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status