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"Habu" usually refers to the Okinawan Habu, a viper native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. They're olive-green with dark patches with yellow borders of varying size. The spots may fuse and create a wave-like pattern and their belly is white. They measure around 140 cm on average but can reach lengths of up to 240 cm. Their diet mostly consists of rodents and other small mammals.

Habu are active at night, especially when its warm and humid. They're found in forests, farmland, caves and tombs. They often enter buildings in search of mice and rats. They mate in early spring and lay up to 18 eggs in summer. Newly hatched Habu already produce venom and may pose danger. Both young and adult snakes are irritable and can strike quickly with long reach.

Like other vipers, the venom of the Habu affects the blood and tissue. Without immediate treatment, a bite may be fatal and even with proper care, the victim may suffer permanent disability in the affected area. Roughly 50 people are bitten every year, mostly farm workers. Small Asian mongoose were introduced to Okinawa in 1910 to reduce Habu populations; this did not have the desired effect on the snake but instead affected native birds, mammals and frogs negatively.

Habu are collected for the production of Habushu. Awamori, an Okinawa specialty, is a liquor distilled from black Koji mold and rice imported from Thailand. A live Habu is inserted into the bottle and becomes part of the fermentation progress. Any remaining venom will be dissolved by the alcohol and the bottle is usually sold with the remains of the snake still inside. Thousands of Habu are used in the production of Habushu every year. The liquor is said to have reinvigorating and curative effects as well as increasing the sexual performance in men.

Kemono Friends' Habu appeared in the Nexon Game and in the story of Festival. She loves gnawing on things and people, especially the player character. She's friends with Okinawa Rail because they grew up in the same place. Habu has yellow-green eyes and gray hair with a very slight pink color at the very end of some strands. She wears a lighter gray hoodie, pale down the center with dark spots and blotch patterns on the sides, sleeves and lower hood. Her hood bears black markings and glowing red pseudo eyes as well as the impression of scales. Her laced-up boots and long tail share the same colour pattern as her hood.