Do California Snakes Ever Run Out of Their Venom?

We've mentioned before in our past articles that the venom of the Long Beach snakes is an evolved form of saliva. This means that just as how humans can replenish their saliva, snakes can also replenish their stock of their venom. In fact, it will not take time before they managed to refill their venom. Once you remove the gland that is producing the venom, the snake will face an impending death.



How Will the Snake Produce their Venom?

The venom of the California snake is produced by an evolved form of salivary gland. Our saliva will contain different types of enzymes that will help in the digestion of food. Based on the study, the venom of the snake is mixture of different proteins. With a collection of about 50-100 types of proteins, the snake's venom can cause paralysis, prevent the clotting of the blood, and affect the blood pressure.

How Venoms Are Produced

The bite of a venomous Long Beach snake can instill fear into the heart of its victim. However, it is best to stay calm since most of them can be treated with an antivenin. Attacks of some venomous snake may be painful, but they will not be enough to threaten the life of a healthy adult human. The venom of the snake will be produced by a unique gland found in the head of the snake. There are two types of venom gland, the true and the false. 

The false type of venom gland is created from mucus that is creating the supralabial gland. This can be found on both sides of the head that will extend down to the snake's snout and behind their eyes. It will then lead to multiple ducts that will proceed below the maxillary teeth. Snakes that belong in the family of the alethinophidians will have a structure like this.

On the contrary, the California snakes that are part of the Colubridae family will have a unique arrangement. Instead of using their evolved salivary gland, they will have a separate gland called Duvernoy's gland. This is situated under the skin of the snake and close to the jaw. This gland will not involve a lumen. Therefore, the snake will have to continue holding their prey in order to inject enough venom. The true type of venom gland is created from connective tissues. 

Delivery of the Venom

Some California experts believe that some snakes can conserve their venom. Producing the venom will require enough energy on the part of the snake. While some snakes can replenish their venom almost instantaneously, there are other snakes that will need weeks to fill-up their venom. Perhaps the biggest evidence behind this is the fact that the snakes will be controlling the venom that they will inject on their target. For instance, the rattlesnake will be delivering a higher volume of venom to bigger prey. However, there are still some contradictions to this theory. Some researchers pointed out the fact that some snakes will be using more venom than necessary to kill their target.

No one should try to catch a Long Beach venomous snake on their own. Remember that there are snakes that will attack without any provocation. Hiring someone with the experience and equipment to do it will ensure your safety.



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