The snakes make up one of the most numerous subgenera of the vast genus of reptiles, with nearly 2,900 species. While many people associate and fear snakes for their deadly venom, most snake species are non-venomous. Venomous snakes are those capable of inoculating the poison they store in the glands located behind their eyes, through the 2 hollow fangs that they have in their mouth. Some species, even producing poison, are not able to inoculate it during the bite.
1. Vipera aspis - The dreaded Viper of the Pyrenees
In Spain, there are 3 different species of vipers, being that the Pyrenean viper is the largest and the most lethal poison. Its body can measure up to 85 cm in length, where the triangular head and slightly raised snout stand out. An interesting feature of this species is that the upper part of their iris is noticeably lighter than the lower part, which gives them a very special look.
These vipers are concentrated in the northeastern portion of Spain, from Catalonia to Cantabria, having a predilection foralpine habitats However, they can also be found in forests, thickets and sunny terrain in this region. Despite their potent venom , these animals have a balanced and elusive temperament. If they can save energy and just hide to avoid a possible confrontation, they will surely do so. They use the bite only in emergencies, when they feel threatened or to defend themselves when they are surprised by strange presences in their territory.
two. Vipera seoanei - The Cantabrian Viper - Poisonous snakes of Spain
The Cantabrians are considered a species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, concentrated in its northern and northwestern regions. Its population extends from the north of Portugal and Galicia to Navarra and Burgos Although its venom is not as powerful as that of the Pyrenean viper, it can reach be lethal if the victim does not receive immediate attention.
These are medium-sized snakes (approx.60 cm in length) that stand out for their great chromatic diversity. We can find individuals with or without dorsal bands in different reddish, brown, light or dark gray tones. In addition, melanistic specimens abound in mountainous regions. Its head is large and square, with a raised but not prominent snout as in the other 2 species of vipers from Spain.
3. Vipera latastei - The Long-snouted Viper of the Iberian Peninsula
Snouts are the species with the widest distribution in the Iberian Peninsula. They can be found in almost all the Spanish territory, with the exception of the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountain range. They live mostly in thickets, forests, grasslands, stone walls and rocky or dry regions of medium altitude (up to 1000 meters, mainly). Due to its enormous population, it is the viper that comes into contact the most and is the major number of attacks on human beings Fortunately, its venom is the least powerful among the vipers of Spain.
These medium-sized vipers (between 50 and 60 cm in length) are easily identified by their raised snout with a very protruding appendage. In some specimens, this protuberance is so noticeable that they seem to have a " horn on the nose", as they say.
4. Malpolon monspessulanus - The bastard snake
Although many may be confused, there are significant differences between types of snakes and snakes. Snakes make up the Colubrid family, which represents the largest family of the subgenus of snakes. This means that all snakes are snakes, but not all snakes are snakes.
The so-called "bastard snake" or "Montpellier snake" is the largest snakethat inhabits the European continent, whose body can reach 2.5 meters in length. In the Iberian Peninsula, they can be found in open, sunny fields, as well as in thickets.
It is a poisonous species rather reactive that can easily attack when it feels threatened. However, it rarely manages to inoculate its poison when biting, since its fangs are located in the posterior region of the palate. Likewise, medical attention is essential in case of a bite.
5. Macroprotodon cucullatus - The Cucullatus Snake
The hooded snake is a small species (between 30 and 40 cm in length) that can be found in theSouth region of the Iberian Peninsula and North of Morocco. They inhabit the warmest areas, whether they are open forests, thickets, sandy or rocky regions. They are characterized by their nocturnal habits and slippery behavior , which is why hooded snake attacks on humans are rare.
By identifying a strange presence in their territory, they are more likely to hide to avoid a possible unfavorable encounter. In addition, its mouth is so small that it rarely manages to inoculate other larger individuals with venom. For this reason, it is often considered the "least dangerous" species among the venomous snakes in Spain.
Snake attacks in Spain - What to do if one bites you?
Finally, we must highlight the importance of immediately going to a he alth institution or another corresponding body in case of bite by any species because, in practical life, it can be difficult to differentiate poisonous and non-poisonous species. The specific antidote must be applied quickly (usually within 1 hour), to avoid permanent he alth damage and death of the individual bitten by a venomous snake.
Snakes and Vipers in Spain - Map
Here we show you the approximate distribution of these five snakes in Spain:
