Snakes in Italy

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Overview & Risks for Humans

Italy is home to around 17 different snake species. Unlike countries such as Greece, Spain, or the Balkans, only a few snakes in Italy are dangerous to humans. Serious incidents are extremely rare. The most relevant species are the Asp Viper and the Horned Viper (Sand Viper).

Tip: When hiking in remote areas, wear sturdy shoes and avoid reaching into rock crevices or under stones.

Venomous Snakes in Italy

1. Horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes) – Europe’s Most Venomous Snake

Also known as the Horned Viper, it is Italy’s most dangerous snake. Found in northeastern Italy and Alpine regions.

Horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes)

  • Length: 50–80 cm
  • Habitat: Dry, rocky areas
  • Active: Daytime and evening
  • Danger: Highly venomous – seek immediate medical help if bitten

2. Asp Viper (Vipera aspis)

Widespread across Italy including Tuscany, Piedmont, Liguria, and Sicily. Less venomous than the Horned Viper.

Asp Viper (Vipera aspis)

  • Length: approx. 60 cm
  • Habitat: Hills, open forests, up to 2000 m altitude
  • Active: Mostly daytime
  • Notes: Hunts small mammals and birds

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3. Common European Adder (Vipera berus)

Found only in northern Italy. Dangerous mainly for children or weakened people.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)

  • Length: 50–70 cm
  • Identification: Zigzag pattern on the back
  • Habitat: Cool, moist areas

4. Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii)

Small and rare, found only in parts of central Italy. Despite strong venom, bite quantity is low, making it less dangerous.

Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii)

  • Length: 30–50 cm
  • Notes: Rare, endangered

5. Montpellier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus)

Slightly venomous but generally harmless. Found in northwestern Italy.

Montpellier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus)

  • Length: Up to 2 m
  • Notes: Shy, bites only in rare situations

6. Hooded Snake (Macroprotodon cucullatus)

Possibly found on Lampedusa. Mildly venomous, harmless to humans.


Non-Venomous Snakes in Italy

1. Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)

  • Distribution: Almost all of Italy
  • Habitat: Near water bodies
  • Diet: Frogs, toads, small fish
  • Identification: Two pale neck spots, gray to olive green

2. Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata)

  • Distribution: Italian mainland (not Sicily or Sardinia)
  • Habitat: Rivers and lakes
  • Notes: Excellent swimmer

3. Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca)

  • Distribution: Almost all of Italy and Sicily (not Apulia or Sardinia)
  • Habitat: Dry bushes, forest edges
  • Identification: Dark longitudinal stripe behind the eye

4. Aesculapian Snake (Zamenis longissimus / Zamenis lineatus)

  • Distribution: Northern Italy (Z. longissimus), Southern Italy & Sicily (Z. lineatus)
  • Length: Up to 2 m
  • Notes: Symbol of medicine (Rod of Asclepius)

5. Four-Lined Snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata)

  • Distribution: Central & Southern Italy
  • Habitat: Open landscapes, olive groves, farms
  • Identification: Four dark stripes along the body

6. Green Whip Snake (Hierophis viridiflavus)

  • Distribution: Almost all of Italy, including Sardinia & Sicily
  • Color: Black and yellow, spotted or striped
  • Notes: Very active, may bite when threatened, but harmless

7. Leopard Snake (Zamenis situla)

  • Distribution: Southern Italy, Calabria, Sicily
  • Habitat: Rocky, dry areas
  • Notes: Rare and endangered, brightly colored

8. Gironde Smooth Snake (Coronella girondica)

  • Distribution: Northern and Central Italy (not in Alps)
  • Habitat: Rocky hills and dry terrain

9. Horseshoe Snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis)

  • Distribution: Sardinia, possibly Lampedusa
  • Origin: Typically from Spain and North Africa

10. Viperine Snake (Natrix maura)

  • Distribution: Mainly Sardinia, rarely on mainland
  • Identification: Zigzag pattern similar to the common adder

Conclusion

Italy is not a country with high snake risks. Only a few species are venomous, and encounters are rare. For nature lovers, observing snakes can even be an exciting experience.

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