Description:

Distinguishing characteristics for the brown tree snake include: a vertical pupil; rear fangs; a large head in relation to the body; and brownish or greenish coloring, with cross-band markings. About 18” at hatching; grows to about 3’ in first year. Adults can grow to 8’ and weigh up to 5 lbs. Mildly venomous to humans; while not fatal, its bite can nevertheless cause severe sickness in young children.

Distribution:

Native to Solomon Islands; New Guinea; northern and eastern Australia; eastern Indonesia. Invasive to Guam. Sighted, but not known to be established in Hawaii; Texas; Saipan; Tinian; Rota; Wake Oahu; Kwajalein; Pohnpei; Okinawa; Diego Garcia

Habitat:

Tropical. Lives mostly in trees and shrubs, where it forages at night. Frequently invades holes and buildings in urban habitats in search of food and hiding spots. Seeks refuge from heat and bright sunlight in daytime.

Life Cycle:

Feeds upon a wide variety of birds, lizards, small mammals, bird and reptile eggs, and small common household pets. Reproduces beginning around age 3; deposits up to 12 eggs once or twice a year in caves, hollow trees, and other areas protected from drying and overheating. The eggs are then abandoned, and hatch about 90 days later.

Abundance:

Up to 13,000 snakes per square mile on Guam.