The Shield-nosed Snake (Aspidelaps scutatus) is an uncommon and seldom seen venomous snake of southern Africa. It is known as a burrowing snake and spends much of its time under leaf litter or foraging in deep thickets. The snake shown here was found near Nylsvley, Limpopo Province, South Africa, in January 2006. The shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens.