What is a saw-scaled viper, the snake found in an Essex cargo shipment?

A saw-scaled viper was discovered in a box of rocks that a stonemason had ordered.

The stonemason then identified the reptile and called the local South Essex Wildlife Hospital who brought it in.

It was then locked in a box in a sealed room, with warning signs posted on the door to warn staff about the dangerous reptile.

The venomous viper is not considered the world's most poisonous snake, but is quick to bite when it feels threatened.

In addition to many British wildlife species coming in today we also had a call about a critter that is definitely not in the country it should have been. We had a call regarding a stowaway snake that had arrived in a shipping container from India. pic.twitter.com/8FFziZ7N61

— South Essex Wildlife Hospital (@SEWH) October 17, 2021

Here are some more details you might not know about the species.

What is a saw-scaled viper?

According to Britannica, saw-scaled vipers inhabit arid regions and dry savannas across north of the Equator.

This means the species can be found in Africa, the Middle East and south-east Asia in places like India and Sri Lanka.

Adults range in length from one to three feet and are characterised by a stout body and a short thin tail.

As mentioned previously they are quick to bite when threatened and mortality rates are high from those who suffer that unfortunate fate.

In the regions they inhabit, it is believed that saw-scaled vipers are responsible for more human deaths than all other snake species combined.