A Japanese Keelback in my backyard

This is my first encounter with this beautiful creature this year at my backyard. Japanese Keelbacks, Amphiesma vibakari vibakari, are very common throughout Japan and endemic to the nation, though their subspecies inhabit in the continental Asia. This is rather small-sized for snakes and reach up to 60 cm (2') long. Keelbacks are usually described as a semi-aquatic species, but they could be found in more arid places, such as my garden, as well. Their diet consists of frogs, tadpoles, fish, newts, lizards, and earthworms. It is very likely that they're mainly feeding on nightcrawlers at my place. Their lifestyle, diet, and habitat are very similar to those of Garter Snakes in North America.
The Japanese term for this species is "Hibakari," and it means "only one day." The name derived from an old belief that one would have only one day left after being bitten by this species. Contrary to the superstition, Keelbacks are non-venomous and extremely peaceful.

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• Japanese
• Keelback

[bahdah1234]

i didnt know there were snakes in japan,thank god we dont have many snakes in washington.the other thing that bugs me is salamanders

[Claycat4]

What a beautiful snake! I was afraid of snakes until I touched one.

My husband and I used to rescue snakes that were eating eggs from the hen house. My father-in-law put marble eggs out for them. We thought that was too cruel, so we would get them and take them about a mile away and turn them loose on the other side of a small river.

[Cebrail1991]

Nice

[Mystek23]

Awesome video dude, hope to see more soon :)

[xIICallumIIx]

Great video thumbs up :-)

[Theytoldmetodoit1]

Beautiful snake...truely a pleasure to find and see.

[jxz107]

Awesome footage! They remind me of dekay's snakes... LOL Thumbs up!