TYPES OF SNAKES
Blunt nosed viper: This snake species is venomous and is the only one that is regarded as being potentially “lethal”. It is easily recognised being a large fat snake, around 1.3m to 2m long, with offset semi-rectangular mushroom-like markings along its silvery beige back. It is also discernible from the black spots on its head.
The snake remains motionless to await the approach of its prey and its well-camouflaged markings mean that walkers often get too close. You will often find it close to water, with many people reporting finding them in their swimming pools in the summer. It is regarded as an endangered species because ignorant people kill the snake on sight.
Large whip snake: The most commonly seen snake in North Cyprus, it is often spotted crossing roads or more commonly as roadkill. It is the island’s largest snake, growing up to three metres long. The snake is easily recognisable in its adult form being shiny black with a bluish tint in sunlight. Young snakes are light brown with dark markings, often leading it to be confused with the blunt nosed viper. While the large whip snake is common around the eastern Mediterranean, the Cypriot snake is a sub-species distinguishable by a red mark on its throat. The snake is known to be aggressive when threatened and, unlike other snakes, will often stand its ground rather than slither away. It is not venomous, but a constrictor and is very effective in helping to control rats and mice, as well as being known to eat blunt nosed vipers. It can climb trees where it will often rob nests of eggs and young.
Montpellier snake: A rare snake on the island and quite attractive in colouring and markings, it can grow up to two metres long. It is light brown in colour and lacks markings on its back. It has a reddish tinge to its head and a pale underside, that can often be pink. It is quite venomous but no attacks on humans have ever been reported as it is very difficult to approach and is often long gone before you get near it. It can attempt to bite if it is roughly handled but has backward pointing teeth making it difficult for them to penetrate human flesh. It is found in open grassland and scrub and eats young birds and small mammals and rodents.
Coin snake: Regarded as one of the “most beautiful” snakes in the Middle East because of the dark, almost circular, markings along its pale brown back. The variety found in Cyprus is again slightly different to its mainland relatives in having markings not so clearly defined. It is also much bigger than the mainland snake, growing up to 1.7m in length. While non-venomous, it is a very aggressive snake and will readily attack if provoked. It has small, sharp teeth that can cause a painful bite and eats small mammals and lizards and raids nests. It is known to be an excellent climber.
Pink worm snake: Perhaps the most unusual snake in Cyprus because of its appearance that, as its name suggests, is often mistaken for a large worm. It lives and hunts underground or in any other dark and damp environment. It has tiny eyes and senses its prey by movement. It is pink in colour and dies quickly if exposed to strong sunlight. It feeds on ants and insect larvae. If attacked it uses its spiny tail to “sting” although it carries no venom.
Cat eye snake: It takes its name because in strong light its pupils turn to slits like a cats. It is a small, thin snake, rarely exceeding 70cm in length. It has very distinctive black circular markings on an olive brown skin. The snake is nocturnal and hunts lizards and small mammals. It is found mainly in rocky areas but has been known to frequent dry stone walls and dilapidated buildings. It is venomous but, like the montpellier snake, has backward pointing fangs making it difficult for it to bite humans. It is quite aggressive when approached and can seem menacing.