Common viper: how to recognize a poisonous snake, what to do when it bites. Description, photos and interesting facts about the existence of a poisonous fire snake What poisonous snakes look like

With the summer season approaching, many of us are wondering how to distinguish a viper from a snake. Because the warm season is a great time for a picnic and barbecue. Many are going to rest in the forest belt or to water bodies, where there can be a large number of vipers. In this article we will tell you what it looks like and how dangerous it is.

The common viper weighs an average of 100 g, Weight Limit about 200 g. The average length is 65 cm. But on the Scandinavian Peninsula there are individuals up to 90 cm in length. The color is very diverse, it can be either yellow, gray, or black, brown. A distinctive feature of the viper is a flat head, which is clearly separated from the body by the cervical region. There are three shields on the head. The nose is located on the middle shield. The eyes have an interesting and unusual vertical shape, which gives the snake a vicious look. Found in Europe and Asia. Unlike its relatives of the snake family, the common viper prefers lower temperatures, therefore it is found even in the northern strip.

Is a viper snake poisonous or not, is its bite fatal to humans and animals?

Indeed, the venom of the common viper is not much different from its tropical relatives and those that live in Europe and Asia. It has a mainly paralytic effect, is a strong allergen. However, it rarely leads to death. This is mainly observed if a person has a strong allergic reaction to some drugs, and in particular to viper venom. But usually, in 70% of cases, all bite symptoms disappear after about 2-4 days. The edema disappears during this time, the pain in the limb disappears. As far as animals are concerned, a viper bite can be fatal to dogs or cats.

Differences and similarities between vipers and snakes, copperheads, snakes: comparison, length, description, photo

If you know a few differences between a viper and a snake, a snake and a copperfish, then recognizing these snakes is not difficult at all. There are a number of characteristics and distinctive features.

Differences and similarities:

First of all, snakes can be distinguished by the shape of the head: in a viper, it is slightly oval, flattened, more like a triangular one. In snake it is oval, egg-shaped.
The viper has a clear transition from the neck to the body. The snake does not have such a transition, it is somewhat smoothed. You can also distinguish by color. The viper has zigzag stripes on its back, the snake does not have such stripes. He's all spotty
Copperhead has yellow spots that are staggered. If we compare the color of the abdomen, then in the viper almost all the time it is gray or black. Already have transitions. Closer to the head is a variegated color, and a little darker towards the tail.
You can also tell by the shape of the body. The body of the viper is much shorter, the tail is not so sharp, much more blunt. The body of the snake is thinner, and the tail is sharp. You can also tell by the pupils. In the viper they are vertical, in the snake, copperhead and snake they are ordinary - round.
If you look not only at the eyes, and you have the opportunity to pick up a snake, you can press the jaws from the side and look at the teeth. The viper has two huge incisors. It is from these teeth that the poison is released. The snake has no such teeth. He has all the teeth of the same size, there are no resembling incisors.
You can identify a snake by its habitat. If you saw a snake in the water that catches fish, it is most likely not a viper, but already. Because vipers rarely catch fish.
If you see a snake in a tree, it's not a viper either. Because she also does not like to crawl on trees.
If you are landing, you saw a whole ball of snakes, this is also not a viper. Because they mate in pairs and do not curl into balls.
If you see eggs on the road, these are not viper eggs either. These snakes are viviparous, but they lay eggs.

Poloz: round eyes and no zigzag on the back. The neck does not separate from the body

Copperhead: Round eyes and spots on the back

In what natural zone does the viper live, what does it eat, breathe?

The viper lives in the Caucasus, in the steppes, in the mountains, as well as in the northern latitudes. It tolerates heat and cold well. Therefore, the common viper can be found almost everywhere. As for the habitat, for the winter they burrow deep into the ground. During the day they often hide in burrows. Because they prefer to hunt at night and do not like neighborhood with other snakes. Respiratory system viper consists not of two lungs, but of three. There is a so-called tracheal lung, which is located in the area where the trachea ends and resembles an air sac. It allows air to accumulate. Thanks to this, vipers can swim.

The nutrition of the viper differs significantly depending on the region of habitat, as well as on the time of year. We can say that the basis of her diet are frogs, small birds, mice, rodents, and lizards. Young snakes that have recently hatched from eggs feed mainly on insects. These are earthworms, beetles, slugs.

Does the viper live with snakes, can it cross with them?

A cross between a snake and a viper is unlikely, because vipers are viviparous, and snakes lay eggs. There is a significant difference in this. In addition, this different types, they have a different structure of the genital organs. There is an opinion among the people that there are poisonous snakes, as well as vipers that swim in reservoirs and catch fish. In fact, these are inventions. People often confuse vipers with water snakes, which do not have the characteristic colors of snakes. Most often they are of a dark uniform color, but upon closer examination it is already clear that his pupils are not vertical, but ordinary round. When you eat fish and swallow it, you don't have those big sharp incisors.

Viper snake - varieties: brief description, name, photo

Hollow-headed vipers. They are called rattlesnakes or rattlesnakes (lat. Crotalinae). They are distinguished by the presence of 2 infrared pits, which are located in the recess between the eyes and nostrils.
They belong to the egg-laying type of snakes, which is rare among all members of the family.
Vipers(lat. Viperinae). The most numerous subfamily, whose representatives live even in the conditions of the Arctic (common viper).
Azemiopinae. Subfamily, represented by a single genus and species - Burmese fairy viper.

Azemiopinae

Do vipers live, and which ones are found in Belarus, the Urals, Siberia, Tatarstan, the Caucasus, do they live in the steppe?

It is worth noting that this species is distributed almost throughout the globe, except for Australia and some northern regions.

Habitat and Species:

The so-called steppe vipers are found in Kazakhstan.
In the Caucasus, there are steppe vipers, Gyurza, an ordinary viper, as well as a real viper.
Recently, a whole invasion of vipers has been recorded in the Urals. A large number of people suffer from them. Basically, the common viper is common here.
This species is also found in Siberia, Tatarstan, and also in Belarus. The steppe viper has become widespread in Belarus.

Nikolsky's Viper

How do they behave in nature, how do they hibernate, how long do vipers live?

Vipers lead a terrestrial lifestyle, although among relatives there is such a species as an earthen viper, which prefers to burrow underground and hide in holes. It can also live in crevices between rocks or under stones. Basically, all types of vipers are sedentary and do not really like to travel long distances. This happens if it is necessary to seek shelter for wintering. In the daytime, they often bask in the sun, if it is very hot outside, they can hide in the shade, under stones. They hunt mainly at night.

It has been established that during the period of hibernation, the viper can burrow underground, to a depth of 1 m. Because it is impossible to freeze at such a depth. Reptiles come to life in the middle of spring, this is around the end of April. They can also overwinter in rodent burrows or under tree roots.

On average, a viper can live 15-30 years, but some observations of scientists prove that the survival period is significantly reduced after two or three years of reproduction. That is, childbirth significantly reduces the life expectancy of vipers. The average age of individuals giving birth reaches 5-7 years.

What to do if a viper has bitten a person, a dog?

You can find many tips that say that when a viper bites, it is necessary to suck out the poison from the wound. In fact, this is an absolutely useless procedure, because the poison spreads instantly. In addition, there is a risk of introducing bacteria from the mouth into the wound. In some sources, you can find recommendations to apply a tourniquet on top of the bite site. But as practice shows, this is also useless. Viper venom contains substances that contribute to the development of necrosis; when you pinch the bite site, you contribute to the death of tissues.

When you go to the forest, be sure to take antihistamines with you. It can be Diazolin, Cetrin, Claritin or Eden. A sedative will also come in handy.
In most cases, if 15 minutes after the bite of the viper, severe edema has not developed, there is no anaphylactic shock, most likely, the pain at the site of the bite will pass in a few days without significant consequences for the body.
If the reaction to the bite is serious, there is swelling of the larynx or face, then you need to urgently go to the emergency room. There you will be given a serum. Systematic treatment is also carried out, which is aimed at eliminating the consequences of a bite.
That is, if the bite provoked a drop in pressure, it is increased, antihistamines are given, Adrenaline can be injected.
Treatment for dogs is the same as for humans. It is necessary to give an antihistamine drug, and if necessary, introduce a serum against the poison. But as practice shows, breeds such as hunting dogs and dachshunds, which are usually taken with them for hunting, perfectly tolerate viper bites without consequences for the body.
After about a week, the animal will feel good.

How does the viper reproduce, does it lay eggs or is it viviparous?

It is worth noting that vipers are viviparous. They don't lay eggs. The process itself is something between the birth of a child in humans and the laying of eggs in a chicken, because the viper gives birth to a soft-shelled egg that develops during the birth process. At one time, the viper can give birth to 5-12 cubs. Basically, the process of childbirth takes place on a tree: the snake swings the lower part of the body to the sides, the snakes scatter and fall on the grass. The most interesting thing is that inside the mother, the fruits feed not only on the yolk that is in the egg, they are associated with the mother's body. We can say that they feed through the placenta. The viper in no way shows concern for its babies; immediately after birth, they crawl to the sides.

Mating begins 14-21 days after awakening. During this time, the snake eats off, gains strength and mates. The fact is that vipers can accumulate sperm inside the body and fertilization occurs when it is convenient for the snake. That is, they have special receivers for sperm, in which it can be stored for a long time. In one terrarium, the maximum period was recorded, only 6 years after mating, the viper gave birth to cubs.

When, at what time of the year are vipers the most dangerous?

The most aggressive vipers are during the mating season, which falls in the month of June or May. The repeated peak of aggression is observed in August and September.

Rules of conduct when meeting with a viper

Behavior rules:

By themselves, snakes are not aggressive and do not attack a person first, so it is necessary, as soon as you notice a snake, to get away from this place.
If the viper has taken a defensive position, hisses, opens its mouth wide, there is no need to move, make any sudden movements, run away.
In addition, do not try to grab her by the tail or head. good option will use a stick.
Take some kind of long stick, hold it in front of you, perhaps the viper will attack it. Then you can escape from this place.
It is worth remembering that the viper cannot crawl quickly, so it will not be able to catch up with you, but you should not run away when the snake is in the hiss and defense phase.
Knowledgeable people note that the snake that you did not notice is more dangerous than the one that you saw.

What to do if a person is bitten by a viper: bite symptoms, first aid

Bite symptoms:

acute pain
Numbness at the site of the bite
After that, as the poison spreads, dizziness may occur.
Anaphylactic shock
Strong pain
Redness at the site of the bite

It all depends on how much a person reacts to snake venom. There are cases when, after almost 15 minutes, the bite symptoms disappeared. But in some cases, the bite of a viper can lead to death. It is necessary to observe a person in the first 15-30 minutes after a bite. If he has a severe swelling of the face, larynx, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. An urgent need to go by taxi or ambulance to the hospital for the introduction of serum, as well as antihistamines.

The first help is taking antihistamines, these are Diazolin, Claritin, Edem or Loratadin. You can also take Diphenhydramine. It is possible to take analgesics, painkillers. If this is a child, you need to urgently go to the hospital. It is not recommended to suck out the poison from the wound, as well as apply a tourniquet.

What to do if a dog is bitten by a viper?

If a viper has bitten a dog, then the measures are the same as for a human bite. It is necessary to administer an antihistamine drug, an anesthetic, to the animal. Let him rest, the ideal option would be immobilization.

Consequences of a viper bite

Viper venom has a different effect on each person. Some recover quickly, while others take a very long time to recover. Recovery can take about a year if appropriate measures are not taken. The ideal option would be immediately after the bite, without waiting for swelling or any consequences, go to the hospital. In this case, Prednisolone, an antihistamine, is administered in the toxicology department, and several cleansing droppers are also made.

If necessary, a special serum is introduced. After the bite, there may be severe swelling, as well as bruising that does not appear on the day of the bite. They can occur for another week or even 10 days. Cases have been recorded that due to edema, after a viper bite, the skin on the limbs burst, due to the fact that it could not withstand strong stretching.

Be prepared that after a viper bite, you will have to spend several days in the hospital, because doctors monitor the patient's condition and try to reduce pain. At home, you will not be able to quickly and effectively remove the poison from the body. The most dangerous viper venom is for allergy sufferers and people with heart disease.

Will a viper bite through a rubber boot?

There are stories among fishermen that a viper can bite through a rubber boot. In fact, these are legends, because the teeth of reptiles are not sharp enough to bite through rubber. This applies not only to the sole, but also to the bootleg. The viper will not be able to bite through knee-high boots either.

What is the antidote, antidote, serum for a viper bite, where is it sold?

Serum is usually found in large hospitals, as well as in large population centers. Unfortunately, in villages or some paramedical stations in villages, such a tool may not be available. A similar substance can be purchased at some major pharmacies, as well as in online stores. If you are in the capital, then courier delivery of this drug can be carried out. We do not recommend self-administration of serum, we insist on going to the hospital. Serum is usually administered one and only, and is called "serum against the venom of the common viper." It is produced in special factories using the blood of horses. The antibodies that are in this serum neutralize the effect of the viper's venom.

Do vipers swim in water?

Vipers swim quite well, but they are very lazy and rarely swim deep. They can dive into the water for the purpose of hunting. Large individuals generally lead a sedentary lifestyle, they prefer to freeze somewhere in the grass, in the bushes and wait for the victim to come to them. But many note that if the water in the reservoir is warm, the viper can swim away to a distance of 5 km from the shore.

If the viper is curled up, what is it going to do?

In general, snakes rarely rush at people themselves, but if you see that the viper has noticed you and curled up in a ring, it is going to rush at you. The ideal option would be to have a stick in your hands. It is necessary to put it in front so that the snake bites exactly the stick. Do not run away abruptly or rush at the snake. It is better to freeze and stand still, most likely the snake will understand that you are not dangerous and crawl away.

Why vipers should not be completely destroyed, who eats vipers?

It is impossible to completely destroy the vipers, because as a result of this, the natural balance may suffer. The fact is that these reptiles eat rodents, mice that harm crops, and are also very undesirable in summer cottages. In addition, they eat a large number of insects, slugs, root-eating worms, and horticultural crops. If you destroy the vipers, then the larger animals will not have something to eat. Hedgehogs and cranes feed on vipers. If this is the coast of the river, then during the hunt, the viper often becomes a victim itself, and larger fish eat it.

Therefore, if a viper started up in your summer cottage, do not rush to kill it. It is best to bring a hedgehog to the site and feed it frequently. Vipers are afraid of hedgehogs, so they try their best to change the trajectory of their movement, and also change their places of residence.

What should be done with the found viper?

If you find a sand viper, then in no case should you initially attack it. No need to try to grab the tail, head or rush at it. Just freeze, and if possible, take a long stick and just hit the ground. You can loudly hit the ground with a stone or boot, or throw some kind of log. The viper will most likely crawl away. In general, you should not pay attention to it, you need to bypass it or even go the other way. If it blocks your path, take a stick and throw it near the viper.

How to scare away, get rid of vipers in a summer cottage, garden?

Many summer residents strive in every possible way to get rid of the rough viper in their area, because it is dangerous. If you want to get rid of this animal, you can install ultrasonic repellers, get a cat, and also lure hedgehogs. The most interesting thing is that the so-called Hungarian method is often used:

Saucers with beer or wine are placed on the site, which the hedgehog can feast on.
In a state of intoxication, the hedgehog becomes very active and exterminates almost all rodents, as well as creeping creatures that are in your summer cottage.

If you want your yard to be free of vipers, mow your lawn frequently. In this case, the snakes will not have anywhere to hide due to the lack of secluded places and tall grass. Also, the noise from the lawnmower repels snakes. It is worth paying attention to the presence of a compost heap, it is best to place such containers with fertilizer away from the summer cottage, because the compost heap is an excellent breeding ground for snakes. It is there that she can give birth to her offspring, as well as lie last days before childbirth.

Can a viper crawl into a house, what to lay from it at the entrance of the house?

If you live in a private house, and a snake has been seen on your site, then you need to try to protect your house from the entry of a viper.

Ways to fight:

We recommend removing all heaps of garbage, as well as stones, and cutting the grass. Spread naphthalene balls around the house, this smell repels snakes.
It is also worth using the usual sulfur, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. With the help of gloves, it is necessary to scatter sulfur around the house, as well as at the entrance to it.
These methods are not suitable if you have small children or pets that can eat the poison.
If you think there is a viper living in the basement, you need to close up all the holes that lead into the house. Use mounting foam or other sealant.
When you find a snake nest, it is best to call a specialist to help deal with the animals.
In no case should you grab or try to kill the viper, purchase special traps for snakes.

Interesting Facts:

Some peoples consider these snakes sacred. On the island of Penang, snakes are hung on trees, and they are also taken to a special temple and considered the keepers of the hearth.
Some Japanese and Chinese restaurants serve dried viper meat. The dish is considered an excellent delicacy; such meat is often used by traditional healers.
The most interesting thing is that it is the common viper that is the only poisonous snake that lives in Northern Europe, as well as in the northern parts of Russia.

The common viper is a common snake that lives in our latitudes, and is a significant danger to both adults and children and pets. Therefore, when going to nature or a picnic, if you know that you will be wandering through tall grass, it is best to wear high rubber boots, as well as closed clothing. Be sure to take a stick to rustle in front of you in the grass. This way you can avoid meeting with the viper.

VIDEO: First aid for a viper bite

Being a symbol of wisdom in the legends and tales of various cultures, the snake traditionally represents both a sophisticated mind and excellent insight, as well as speed of reaction with great striking power. The lifestyle and habits of the most common of the poisonous snakes in central Russia - the common viper - confirm the established image of this reptile.

Common viper: what is it?

Let's start our acquaintance with this very unusual snake with its description. What does a viper look like? This is a reptile, reaching a length of 0.7-1 m. Males are usually smaller than females. The viper's head is quite elegant, rounded-triangular with clearly defined scutes - two parietal and one frontal. The nasal opening is in the center of the anterior shield. The pupil is vertical. Teeth - movable tubular, located in front of the upper jaw. A clear delineation of the head and neck adds grace to this graceful and dangerous creature.

snake coloring

Nature did not stint on colors, painting the viper. The many shades of color of the snake are striking: the gray or sandy-brown back of almost every individual is dotted with bizarre patterns of various tones - from light blue, greenish, pink and lilac to terracotta, ash and dark brown. It is impossible to determine the dominant color, since there are as many color options for the viper as there are individuals. But a distinctive feature of this species is a zigzag or even stripe stretching along the entire back. Usually it is darker, but there are exceptions. Sometimes there are snakes with a light stripe
on a dark background. One way or another, but this element is a kind of visiting card of the animal, warning about its belonging to a very dangerous species - the common viper.

There is an interesting pattern: males are purple, gray or bluish-blue cold color. Females, on the contrary, are much brighter decorated; they have red, yellow, greenish-brown and delicate sand tones in their arsenal. True, both sexes can wear black. Moreover, they can be exactly the same color, without any identification stripes. However, they can still be distinguished by looking closely: males have small white spots on the upper lip, and the bottom of the tail is also clarified. Females have red, pink and white speckles on the lips and throat, and the lower part of the tail is a bright yellow hue.

The variety of colors in the color of snakes is amazing, and the more surprising is the fact that cubs in vipers are born completely brown-brown in color with a terracotta zigzag on the back, and the change in the skin begins no earlier than 5-7 molts, i.e. almost a year after birth.

Snakes and vipers: similarities

Scientific studies of past years show that the main difference between these two species is the habitat. The snakes have always lived next to a person, not being afraid of such a neighborhood. Vipers, on the other hand, have never sought to communicate with people. Moreover, if people settled near the habitats of snakes, the outcome for these animals was natural. At present, due to changes in natural conditions and man-made disasters, much has changed. For example, massive fires drive vipers out of their usual places. Cases of snakes in gardening associations located near burnt forests have increased significantly. Of course, the appearance of reptiles in crowded places cannot be explained by a change in the snake worldview. Often they simply have nowhere to go, and the differences between snakes and vipers become similarities imposed by circumstances.

Snakes and Vipers: Differences

There are external differences between these species. The most important is the presence of orange-yellow spots on the sides of the head. The coloring also varies - the snakes do not have a zigzag pattern on the back. His body is more elongated from head to tail, by the way, quite long. The viper's tail is short, sharply tapering.

They differ in the shape of the head and eye pupils. The head of the viper is covered with small shields, in snakes they are large. The pupils of the viper are vertical, characteristic of a nocturnal reptile. Already - a lover of daytime vigils, and his pupils are round. For a person who knows what a viper looks like, it will not be difficult to distinguish these animals.

Lifestyle of snakes

Leading a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle, snakes can be active during the day. They can calmly bask in the sun, having chosen stones, large bumps, and even clearings. Night is hunting time. The gray viper (common) is a great hunter. Quick reaction, accuracy and suddenness of the attack leave no chance for mice and frogs that fall into her field of vision.

These reptiles mate from mid-May to early June. Being ovoviviparous, vipers bear offspring until mid-late August. Cubs are born already poisonous small snakes up to 15-18 cm long.

Behavior and habits

Immediately after birth, the babies are released from the egg shell and spread. The growth of young vipers is accompanied by constant molting. Having made the transition to an independent life, they feed on various insects, and as they grow older, they begin to hunt small birds, field mice, lizards, toads and frogs. In turn, the young become a victim of large birds of prey and animals. But after 2-3 years, the cubs look the same as the viper looks, that is, a completely adult individual.

Snakes spend winter in the soil, burrowing to a depth below the freezing layer. They climb into mole and vole burrows, tree root grooves, deep rock crevices, and other suitable hiding places. Often there are clusters of small groups in one place. This is how they survive the cold. Quite severe winters cause snakes to become numb, which lasts up to six months. The life expectancy of vipers is about 10-15 years.

steppe viper

The steppe viper living in Southern Europe - a resident of the plains and mountain steppes - is found in Greece, Italy, France and many other European countries, as well as in Altai, Kazakhstan and the Caucasus. This amazing snake can climb mountains to a height of up to 2.5 thousand meters above sea level. What does the steppe viper look like?

It is a large snake up to 0.7 m long. It is distinguished by a slightly elongated head and somewhat raised edges of the muzzle. The back of the viper is painted in brown-gray tones, with a light transition to the middle, decorated with a black or brown zigzag-stripe along the ridge, sometimes divided into spots. The sides of the body are decorated with a row of vague dark spots, and the upper part of the head is decorated with a black pattern. The abdomen is gray, with light patches. The maximum density of distribution of the viper is observed on the steppe plains (up to 6-7 individuals per hectare).

reproduction

Plain vipers are most active from late March - early April to October. Mating time is April-May. The term of bearing offspring is 3-4 months. The female lays from 4 to 24 eggs, from which in July-August babies appear 10-12 cm long and weighing 3.5 g each. Having reached a body length of 28-30 cm (as a rule, three years after birth), the cubs become sexually mature. Slow on land, the snake is an excellent swimmer, can climb low bushes and trees with amazing speed. Being a great hunter, the steppe viper hunts down birds, mice, does not disdain lizards, grasshoppers and locusts.

In the recent past, the steppe viper was used to obtain snake venom, but barbaric extermination led to a sharp reduction in its numbers, which stopped this fishery. Today, in all European countries, this species, as endangered, is under the protection of the Berne Convention.

swamp viper

Russell's viper, chain, or swamp viper is considered the most dangerous of the whole family. This species is found in vast areas of Central and Southeast Asia. The average length of this snake is 1.2 m, but occasionally there are individuals whose dimensions exceed the mark of one and a half meters.

The head has a somewhat flattened triangular shape. Large eyes are speckled with golden veins. Large fangs, reaching 1.6 cm, are a serious threat and excellent protection for the reptile. The back is rough, covered with scales, the belly is smooth.

The coloration of the body of the swamp viper is dominated by gray-brown or dirty yellow tones. The back and sides are adorned with rich dark brown spots, surrounded by a black ring with a bright yellow or white outer rim. Up to 25-30 such elements can be located on the back, increasing as the snake grows. The number of spots on the sides may vary, sometimes they merge into a continuous line. On the sides of the head there are also dark stains in the shape of the letter V.

Behavior, nutrition and reproduction of swamp vipers

Ovoviviparous Russell's vipers mate at the beginning of the year. Duration
gestation is 6.5 months. The appearance of cubs, as a rule, occurs in June-July. In one litter, there are up to 40 or more baby reptiles with a body length of 2 to 2.6 cm. Immediately after birth, the first molt occurs. Cubs reach sexual maturity at the age of two or three.

As the most venomous snake found in the Asian region, the chain viper is a dangerous nocturnal predator. She crawls out to hunt as soon as the sun disappears below the horizon. The diet of the swamp viper does not differ from the menu of other representatives of the class and consists of rodents, frogs, birds, scorpions and lizards. For humans, this snake is a mortal danger.

Encounters with snakes

As already mentioned, the viper is a venomous snake. You need to remember this when going to the forest. True, a meeting with a person is never included in the plans of this creature, as a rule, it tries to hide as soon as it hears a threatening noise. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid unforeseen contacts during walks in the forest, picking mushrooms and berries, in swamps, during gardening.

Feeling threatened, the viper actively defends itself: hisses, rushes forward menacingly and makes dangerous bites. Remember: when meeting with a snake, it is strictly forbidden to make sudden movements so as not to provoke an attack by a reptile!

To avoid such an unpleasant encounter, extreme caution must be exercised when walking through forest areas where a viper can live. A photo of this representative of the animal world should be carefully studied by each person.

When visiting places of possible encounters with these reptiles, you must have the appropriate equipment. Reliably protect against snake bites high rubber boots worn over woolen socks; tight trousers tucked into shoes. It is good to have a long stick with you, which will help you look for mushrooms and scare the snake. Most likely, she will crawl away. It will not be superfluous to tap with a stick when moving along the path. Vipers are deaf, but are able to perceive the slightest vibration of the soil. Only a soft peat cover or fresh arable land does not allow the snake to recognize the approach of a person in time. As a general rule, snake bites are not an expression of aggression, but rather a reaction to unexpected or frightening anxiety.

Probably, folk tales and legends that tell about such an amazing creature as a viper (a description of some species is presented in the article) are absolutely right: natural wisdom and endurance help these reptiles to survive.

Man has always been afraid of snakes. From the very beginning of the universe, according to the holy book of the Bible, they did not bring anything good into our lives. Well, maybe only now, when the practical Japanese and Chinese have learned to benefit from their deadly poison, using it in alternative medicine.

A snake is not just a mortal danger, but also a creature capable of bewitching anyone with its graceful slowness. She seems to hypnotize the enemy, pretending to be calm, and sometimes even arousing suspicion in her reality, because she knows how to freeze perfectly, remaining in a state of static for quite a long time. But do not assume that the reptile will let you come closer to him or touch him. No, she is able to react faster than the wind to any step, and then there will be no mercy.

Scientists deny, but people affirm

In central Russia and throughout Eurasia, there are a variety of reptiles, many of which do not pose a great threat to human life. For example, snakes. And there are those who are not just worth being afraid of - they should generally be bypassed for a kilometer. Today we will talk about a snake, the existence of which scientists do not recognize, but the population of the northern regions of our country, and some of its southern parts, insists that the reptile is quite real. It's about the fire snake.

What is a miracle beast?

In ancient times, people told each other all sorts of fables, and sometimes true stories from life. Then these stories were passed down from generation to generation, acquiring many different facts. So, there are also rumors and legends about the fire snake. Siberians say that this terrible beast can jump up from the ground by more than one and a half meters and bite its victim exclusively in the neck or in the chest area.

And many more residents of the northern regions of Russia claim that moths can hang on trees to make it more convenient to attack their prey. Moreover, their prey, in addition to people, can also be cows, on which moth snakes descend from trees. The bite of such reptiles can be fatal for a person, because, as was written above, such a snake stings in the neck or in the chest area. From there, a person is not able to suck out the poison on his own, and the situation with a bite does not tolerate delay. By the way, if the necessary measures are taken in time (injection or at least suction of poison), then it is quite possible to avoid negative consequences.

Fire snake: photo and description of several individuals

The moth got its name for the color with which it is endowed. Those who claim to have seen her live speak of three varieties of these reptiles dangerous to humans and livestock:

It is worth saying that the moth is not called a huge snake, it is more like a copperhead or a viper in size. In general, not very big.

Legend

In Siberia, among the locals, there is one strange legend in which hunters and old-timers firmly believe. It concerns the killing of snakes, namely, that if a person is lucky enough to deal with a dangerous reptile, then his sins are forgiven.

It's about enough in large numbers sins per hunter, namely about 40. True or not - everyone decides for himself. But people protect their lives in a cold, harsh land with a special predilection (one hunter or forester can kill about 40 poisonous individuals per day), as evidenced by the data told in the media. mass media. Such facts are not surprising, because more than 10 million snakes have been registered in Siberia. However, I would like to note that no one has yet provided a skin or a photo of a moth snake in Siberia.

A distinctive feature of the little beast

According to those who have dealt with or heard stories about the moth, this little reptile always attacks first. Unlike almost all of her fellows, she does not wait, does not tolerate and does not observe, the moth immediately acts. If she attacks from the ground, she can jump to the line of the abdomen and bite there, and in the event of an attack from a tree, she strives, like a vampire, to bite into a human neck.

By the way, when a moth snake wants to attack a cow, it first descends on it from a tree, and then deftly creeps along the wool to the udder of horned cattle and bites it there.

Maybe this is not a moth at all, but an ordinary copperhead?

Be that as it may, if people talk about the existence of a snake that allegedly does not exist, then it is worth thinking about the reason for such an attitude of scientists towards it. Probably, under the guise of a moth, biologists see another representative of the reptile, and this name was given to the reptile ordinary people, relying on the unusual and bright coloring of the reptile. There is another interpretation of this phenomenon: just a reptile, due to certain living conditions and habitat, was forced to change the color of the skin. And this is none other than an ordinary copperhead or a viper, but with a peculiar and unusual color and strange habits.

Poisonous snakes from the viper family have perfectly adapted to existence in any climatic conditions and landscapes. Vipers live in Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Vipers do not live only in Australia, New Zealand and other islands of Oceania.

Basically, vipers lead a sedentary lifestyle, occasionally making forced migrations to winter habitats, which make up several kilometers on the way. Vipers spend most of the summer basking in the sun or hiding in the heat under stones, uprooted tree roots and in rock crevices.

Where and how do viper snakes hibernate?

Wintering of vipers begins in October-November. For winter "apartments" various holes are selected, going into the ground to a depth of 2 m, where the positive air temperature is maintained. With a high population density, several hundred individuals often accumulate in one hole. The duration of wintering depends on the range: northern species of vipers hibernate up to 9 months a year, inhabitants of temperate latitudes crawl out to the surface in March-April and immediately begin to breed.

Viper venom - snake bite consequences and symptoms

Viper venom is considered potentially dangerous to humans, and the bite of some representatives of the viper family can be fatal and lead to death.

However, viper venom has found its use, because it is a valuable raw material for the manufacture of medicines and even cosmetics. The poison is a cocktail of proteins, lipids, peptides, amino acids, sugar and salt of inorganic origin. Preparations derived from viper venom are used as an analgesic for neuralgia and rheumatism, for hypertension and skin diseases, to relieve asthma attacks, for inflammatory processes and bleeding.

Viper venom enters the human or animal body through the lymph nodes and instantly enters the bloodstream. The consequences of a viper bite are manifested by burning pain, redness and swelling form around the wound, which disappear after 2-3 days without any serious consequences. In case of severe intoxication of the body, 15-20 minutes after the bite of a viper, the following symptoms appear: the bitten one feels dizzy, nausea, chills, heart palpitations. With an increased concentration of toxic substances, fainting, convulsions and coma occur.

Viper bite - first aid

What to do if bitten by a viper:

First of all, immediately after the bite of the viper, be sure to provide the bitten organ (usually the limbs) with peace by fixing it with a kind of splint or, for example, simply tying your hand in a bent position with a handkerchief. Limit any active movement to avoid the rapid spread of viper venom throughout the body.
A viper's bite is dangerous and can be fatal to humans, so in any case, regardless of the severity of the victim's condition, you should call an ambulance!
Pressing with your fingers at the bite site, try to slightly open the wound and suck out the poison. You can do this with your mouth, periodically spitting saliva, but the method is valid only if there are no damages on the oral mucosa in the form of cracks, scratches or sores. You can try to reduce the concentration of poison in the wound with an ordinary glass cup, using it according to the principle of setting medical jars. Suction of the poison is carried out continuously, for 15-20 minutes.
Then the viper bite site should be disinfected with any improvised means: cologne, vodka, alcohol, iodine, and apply a clean, slightly pressure bandage.
If possible, it is advisable to take an antihistamine tablet to reduce the allergic reaction to viper venom.
Take as much liquid as possible - weak tea, water, but give up coffee: this drink increases arterial pressure and increases excitability.
In case of a serious lesion, artificial respiration and prolonged heart massage are performed as first aid after a viper bite.

Sometimes vipers are confused with representatives of the already-shaped family - snakes, snakes and copperheads, which often leads to the killing of innocent animals. A poisonous snake can be distinguished from a harmless one by a number of signs.

How is it different from a viper? Similarities and differences between snakes

Already - this is a non-venomous snake, the viper is poisonous and deadly to humans. The similarity between the snake and the viper is obvious: both snakes can have a similar color and meet a person in a forest, in a meadow, or near a pond. And yet these reptiles have certain signs by which they can be distinguished:

The appearance of the snake and the black viper is different, despite the same skin color. The common snake has 2 yellow or orange spots on its head, similar to miniature ears, while the viper does not have such marks.

It is not worth focusing solely on the color of snakes, since both snakes and vipers can be similar in color. For example, the color of a water snake can be olive, brown or black, with various spots. In addition, the black water snake does not have yellow markings on its head, which can easily be confused with a viper. The color of the viper can also be olive, black or brown, with a variety of spots scattered over the body.

And yet, if you look closely at the spots, you can see the following difference between snakes: snakes have spots on their bodies in a checkerboard pattern, many species of vipers have a zigzag stripe on their backs that runs along the entire body, and there are also spots on the sides of the body.

Another difference between the snake and the viper is that the pupil of the viper is vertical, in snakes it is round.

The viper's mouth contains sharp teeth that are clearly visible when the snake opens its mouth. The snakes have no teeth.

Longer than a viper. The body length of the snake is usually 1-1.3 meters. The length of the viper usually varies between 60-75 cm, although there are species that reach 3-4 meters (bushmaster). In addition, vipers look much more well-fed.
The tail of the viper is shortened and thick, while that of snakes is thinner and longer. In addition, in vipers, the transition from the body to the tail is clearly pronounced.
Vipers differ from snakes in the triangular shape of the skull with clearly marked superciliary ridges, in snakes the skull is oval-ovoid.

The anal shield of the viper is one-piece, while that of the snake consists of 2 scales.
When meeting people, the snakes try to retreat and hide, the viper is likely to show complete indifference or aggression if you step on this poisonous snake or just touch it.
Snakes love damp habitats, so they can often be found near bodies of water where they swim and catch frogs. Vipers feed mainly on mice, so they choose other habitats: forests, steppes, thick grass.

The viper is a venomous snake, the copperhead is not poisonous.
Many vipers have a dark-colored zigzag stripe running along their backs, while copperheads have a "scattered" pattern of specks or dark spots on their backs. But there are also black vipers that do not have stripes.

The head of the viper has a triangular shape with pronounced arcs above the eyes. Copperheads have a narrow, elongated head.
In the mouth of the viper there are teeth with which the snake bites its prey. Copperheads have no teeth.
The pupil of the copperfish is round, while that of the viper is vertically slit-shaped.

The anal shield of the copperfish consists of a pair of scales, but in the viper it is solid.
Noticing a person, the copperhead will hasten to hide in a shelter, the viper will either not pay attention to the person, or will start an offensive.

There are teeth in the mouth of the viper and the snake, but the bite of a poisonous viper is dangerous and can be fatal, and the bite of the snake, although it causes pain, does not carry a mortal danger, since the snake does not have poisonous glands.
In the viper, the head and body are separated by a shortened bridge imitating the neck; in the snake, there is no cervical interception.
The back of most vipers is either monophonic, black, or has a dark stripe that runs in a zigzag along the entire back. The color of the snake can be monophonic, with transverse dark spots on the back or in a mesh.

The snake has a distinctive pattern on the top of the skull - a dark stripe between the eyes, the viper does not have such decoration.
The viper is much shorter and looks fatter than the snake. The snakes can grow up to 1.5 meters in length, and the standard size of vipers is 60-70 cm. Only the largest vipers have a body length of up to 2 meters.

Types of vipers - photo and description

The modern classification distinguishes 4 subfamilies of vipers:

pit viper, they are rattlesnakes or rattlesnakes (Crotalinae): they are distinguished by the presence of 2 infrared pits, which are located in the depression between the eyes and nostrils;
toad vipers(Causinae): belong to the oviparous type of snakes, which is rare among all members of the family;
vipers(Viperinae) - the most numerous subfamily, whose representatives live even in the conditions of the Arctic (common viper);
azemiopinae- a subfamily represented by a single genus and species - the Burmese fairy viper.

To date, 292 species of vipers are known to science. Below are several varieties of these snakes:

common viper ( Vipera berus)

a relatively small representative of the family: the body length is usually in the range of 60-70 cm, however, in the northern part of the range there are individuals over 90 cm long. The weight of the viper varies from 50 to 180 grams, with females slightly larger than males. The head is large, slightly flattened, the muzzle is rounded. The color of the common viper is quite variable and multifaceted: the color of the main background of the back is black, light gray, yellow-brown, reddish-brown, bright copper. Most specimens have a pronounced pattern in the form of a zigzag strip along the back. The belly of the viper is gray, brown-gray or black, sometimes supplemented with whitish spots. The tip of the tail is often colored bright yellow, reddish or orange. This type of viper has a fairly wide habitat. The common viper lives in the forest belt of Eurasia - it is found from the territories of Great Britain and France to the western regions of Italy and the east of Korea. Feels cozy in hot Greece, Turkey and Albania, penetrating at the same time beyond the Arctic Circle - found in Lapland and in countries on the coast of the Barents Sea. On the territory of Russia, the common viper lives in Siberia, Transbaikalia and the Far East.

nosed viper(Vipera ammodytes)

differs from other species by a soft, sharp, scaly outgrowth at the tip of the muzzle, resembling a snub nose. The length of the viper is 60-70 cm (sometimes 90 cm). The color of the body is gray, sand or red-brown (depending on the species), a zigzag dark stripe or a series of diamond-shaped stripes runs along the back. The nosed viper lives on rocky landscapes from Italy, Serbia and Croatia to Turkey, Syria and Georgia.

Steppe viper (western steppe viper) ( Vipera ursinii )

a poisonous snake that lives in the plains and mountain steppes, in alpine meadows, in ravines and semi-deserts. Steppe vipers are found in the countries of southern and southeastern Europe (in France, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Albania), in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia (in the Caucasus, in the southern part of Siberia, the Rostov region, Altai). The length of the viper with a tail reaches 64 cm, females are larger than males. The color of the snake is brown-gray, a dark brown or black zigzag stripe runs along the ridge. Dark spots are scattered on the sides of the body.

Horned keffiyeh(Trimeresurus cornutus, Protobothrops cornutus)

stands out among relatives with small horns located above the eyes. The body of a viper up to 60-80 cm long is painted in a cream-green color and dotted with dark brown spots. The snake spends almost all its life on trees and shrubs, descending to the ground only for mating. The horned keffiyeh is a typical inhabitant of the south and southeast of Asia, lives in China, India and Indonesia.

Burmese Fairy Viper, or Chinese viper(Azemiops feae)

an oviparous species, a rarity among vipers. It got its name not thanks to a fairy-tale character, but in honor of the zoologist Leonardo Fea. The length of the viper is about 80 cm. On the head of the snake grow large shields, like those of snakes. Upper body greenish-brown, creamy underparts, head most often yellow color, yellow stripes run along the sides. It is found in Central Asia in the southeast of Tibet, in Burma, China and Vietnam.

Noisy viper(Bitis arietans)

one of the most beautiful and most dangerous species of African vipers. The bite of a noisy viper in 4 out of 5 cases is fatal. The snake got its name from the indignant hissing emitted in case of danger. The body of the viper is disproportionately thick with a girth of up to 40 cm and a length of about 2 m. The color of the viper can be golden yellow, dark beige or red-brown. Along the body there is a pattern consisting of 2 dozen brown marks in the shape of the Latin letter U. The noisy viper lives throughout Africa (with the exception of the equator), as well as in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

(Bitis nasicornis)

it is distinguished by a special decoration on the muzzle, consisting of 2-3 vertically protruding scales. The body is thick, can reach a length of 1.2 m, and is covered with a beautiful pattern. Blue trapezoid patterns with a yellow border, connected by black diamonds, run along the back. The sides are covered with black triangles, alternating with olive-colored rhombuses with a red border. The head of a viper with bright blue "cheeks" is covered with black arrows with a yellow border. Prefers to settle in the wet, swampy forests of Equatorial Africa.

Kaisaka, or labaria (Bothrops atrox)

the largest viper of the spearhead genus, growing up to 2.5 m in length. A distinctive feature of the kaisaki is the lemon-yellow color of the chin, which is why the snake was nicknamed the "yellow beard". The slender body is covered with gray or brown skin with a diamond-shaped pattern on the back. Kaisaka lives throughout Central America, in Argentina and the coastal islands of South America.

Rhombic rattlesnake(Crotalus adamanteus)

record holder among rattlesnakes in terms of the number of "milks" of poison (660 mg from one snake). A large viper can grow over 2 m in length and weigh over 15 kg. Along the back, painted in brown tones, runs a series of 24-35 black diamonds with a brilliant sheen with a light yellow border. This viper lives only in the USA: from Florida to New Orleans.

Gyurza, or levant viper(Macrovipera lebetina)

the most dangerous and poisonous viper, whose venom is second in toxicity only to cobra venom. Belongs to the egg-laying type of snakes. The length of the body of an adult gyurza can reach 2 meters, the weight of the viper is 3 kg. The body coloration is gray-brown, with dark spots, subject to variability within the range. Some individuals are distinguished by a black body with a purple tint. The viper is widespread in dry foothill areas, as well as on the outskirts of large cities in North-West Africa, Asia, Transcaucasia, Dagestan and Kazakhstan.

African pygmy viper ( Bitis peringueyi)

the smallest viper in the world, the body length of an adult does not exceed 20-25 cm. Due to its modest body size, it is a relatively safe viper species that lives in the deserts of Namibia and Angola.

How do vipers reproduce?

Most snakes reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 years. Reproduction of viviparous species of vipers occurs in May. The eggs of the viper are formed in the womb of the female, and the cubs hatch there. The brood is born at the end of summer or at the very beginning of autumn. The number of viper cubs depends on the length of the female - in a medium-sized viper (up to 1 m in length), as a rule, 8-12 cubs are born.

The viper gives birth in the following way: the snake wraps around the trunk of a tree, and keeps its tail in the air, “scattering” cubs on the ground, fully formed and ready for independent existence.

The length of newborn vipers is 10-12 cm. Small vipers immediately molt, in the future the number of molts is 1-2 times a month.

Oviparous species of vipers mate from April to early summer. The clutch of a medium-sized viper contains from 8 to 23 eggs, large species lay up to 38-43 eggs.

Depending on the species, the incubation period lasts from 25 days to 4 months. The laying of the snake settles in safe places: burrows, under snags or in the sand.

The female warms the clutch with the contractions of her muscles and protects in every possible way until the moment when the cubs begin to hatch. After that, the snakes crawl in different directions.

Schlegel's chain-tailed botrops, which belongs to the viper family, hunts in a hanging position, and uses the bright tip of its tail as bait.
Temple keffis are considered sacred animals for the people of Penang. They are specially brought to the Serpent Temple and hung on trees near their homes, considering the vipers to be the guardians of the family hearth.
Dried meat of the cottonmouth viper is a delicacy among Japanese and Korean gourmets, it is also used in folk healing, therefore it is highly valued.

The image of a character in scary tales and nightmares has firmly entrenched in an ordinary viper; meeting with it can have unsafe consequences for a person. Meanwhile, in the lifestyle and behavior of this snake there are many noteworthy, interesting and even dramatic moments.

Description of the viper

The common viper (Vipera berus) is a representative of the Viperidae family of relatively small dimensions: the body length of the snake is usually 60-70 cm, the weight ranges from 50-180 g, while males are slightly smaller than females.

Appearance

Head covered with small scales or irregular shape shields, has a round-triangular shape, the nasal end with a hole cut in the middle is blunt, the temporal corners stand out noticeably to the sides - the zones of localization of paired poisonous glands.
small eyes with a strictly vertical pupil in combination with overhanging supraorbital ridges-scales give the viper an evil look, although this has nothing to do with the manifestation of emotions associated with aggression.
The maxillary bones are short, movable, equipped with 1-2 large tubular poisonous fangs and 3-4 small substitute teeth. The same small teeth are located on the palatine, pterygoid bones.
The head and torso are separated by a sharp cervical interception.
Very short and thick in the middle body viper narrows sharply towards the posterior section, turning into a short (usually 6-8 times less than the length of the body) blunt tail, which has the outlines of a comma.

Nature did not stint on colors, painting the viper. In addition to the main common gray color in males and brown in females, the following morphs are found:

black;
beige-yellow;
whitish silver;
olive brown;
copper red.

Most often, the coloring is non-uniform, the body of the snake is “decorated” with stripes, spots and patterns:

a zigzag strip running down the back;
dark Ʌ- or X-shaped ornament on the upper part of the head;
black stripes running along the sides of the head from the eyes to the corners of the mouth;
dark spots covering the sides of the body.

Black and red-brown vipers have no pattern on the head and body. Regardless of the main color, the underside of the body is dark gray or black with blurry spots, the lower part of the tail is whitish-sand or yellow-orange.

This is interesting! Albino vipers are never found, unlike other snake species, in which a similar color variation, or rather, the absence of one, is observed regularly.

Any kind of coloration of the viper, regardless of the main tone, is patronizing, as it makes the snakes almost invisible against the background of the natural landscape.

Lifestyle, behavior

active phase life cycle common viper begins usually in March-April. Males are the first to emerge from winter shelters on sunny days. The greatest number of them can be found when the air masses warm up to 19-24 ° C. Females, for which the optimum environmental temperature should be higher, about 28 ° C, wait for the onset of warmer weather.

The structure of the body, devoid of limbs and appendages, does not allow the common viper to somehow diversify its behavior: sedentary, slow and phlegmatic, the snake spends most of the daylight hours in secluded places or “taking” sunbaths on well-heated stones, stumps, fallen trees. However, an attentive observer will notice that even a viper can lie in different ways.. Relaxingly basking in the rays of the sun, she spreads her ribs to the sides, due to which the body becomes flat, forming a wide undulating surface. But if at this time something alerted the snake, its body immediately, without changing its position, becomes tense and tight, like a compressed spring.

This is interesting! At any moment, the snake is ready to either slip away from potential danger, or pounce on possible prey.

If a meeting with the enemy could not be avoided, the viper instantly twists into a tight spiral, now its body is a dense lump, from the center of which a head is visible on the S-shaped bend of the neck. Sharply throwing forward the upper third of the body, bloating and hissing intimidatingly, the snake moves with all this tangle towards the source of the threat.

The viper starts active hunting at dusk or at night. At the same time, its usual daytime behavior dramatically changes: now it is a swift and agile animal, tirelessly examining any holes, manholes, areas under tree trunks lying on the ground, dense thickets in search of prey. It helps her to find food in the dark with an excellent sense of smell and good overall vision. Penetrating into the dwellings of rodents, the viper is able to eat not only helpless cubs, but also sleeping adults.

The viper also uses a wait-and-see tactic of hunting, carefully observing potential prey that has appeared in its field of view. Sometimes a careless vole mouse can even climb onto a lying snake, which remains completely motionless until the rodent is within reach of the poisonous fangs. If the snake misses its throw, it usually does not pursue the lost prey, patiently waiting for a new opportunity to attack. It usually takes two to four days to digest food. All this time, the snake may not crawl out to the surface at all, remaining in its shelter.

Not hunting, the viper does not show aggression first. Therefore, when meeting with a person, if he does not take provocative actions, the snake uses its camouflage coloration, visually merging with the environment, or tends to slip away to a safe place.

Long before the onset of frost, vipers settle down in winter "apartments". A cold snap never takes these snakes by surprise, and until the onset of spring (unlike many other cold-blooded snakes that freeze en masse in cold winters), almost all individuals of the population survive. There are several rational (and not entirely) explanations for this.

As shelters, they choose burrows of rodents, moles, located below the freezing layer, at a depth of 0.4 to 2 m.
For wintering in one place, vipers quite often gather several dozen, when, having huddled in a huge ball, they additionally heat each other.
Vipers are somehow very good at predicting the onset of even temporary cold weather.

Approximately 180 days pass in hibernation, and in early spring, when snow still lies in some places in the forest, vipers again crawl out onto the sun-warmed earth.

Lifespan

The maximum lifespan of the common viper in the wild is 12-15 years. This is a lot for existence in conditions where there are a large number of factors that reduce. In specialized nurseries, serpentaria, when kept in home terrariums, vipers live much longer, reaching 20-, and in some cases even 30-year-olds. This is explained by the fact that slave snakes, unlike free relatives, are provided with timely feeding, constant maintenance of a favorable microclimate, the complete absence of enemies, and even veterinary care.

This is interesting! Herpetologists believe that the lifespan of Vipera berus is inversely proportional to the frequency of mating, thus reaching 30 years in individuals belonging to northern populations.

Common viper venom

Viper venom is a mixture of high-molecular protein compounds that have a hemolytic and necrotizing effect on blood components. In addition, the composition of the poison includes a neurotoxin that negatively affects the cardiovascular system. However, the bite of an ordinary viper is extremely rarely fatal: the damaging components are too low in concentration to pose a danger to the life of an adult. More serious are the consequences of a viper bite for children and pets that accidentally disturb a snake that is forced to defend itself. The forecast may include:

progressive shock;
intravascular coagulation;
acute anemia.

In any case, the victim, even after providing him with first aid, should contact a medical facility.

On the other hand, the toxic properties of the poison are widely used for medical purposes, in the production of a number of analgesic, absorbable, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cosmetics, which makes it possible to consider the common viper as an object of economic and scientific importance.

Range, habitats

The species Vipera berus has a fairly wide distribution. Its representatives are found throughout the northern part of Eurasia, from Sakhalin, northern Korea, northeast China to Spain and northern Portugal. In Russia, the prevalence of the common viper covers the entire Middle zone from the Arctic to the steppe zone in the south. But the distribution of populations over these territories is uneven:

the average population density is no more than 0.15 individuals / 1 km of the route in areas with unfavorable conditions;
where the habitat conditions for snakes are most suitable, "foci" are formed with a density of 3.5 individuals / 1 km of the route.

In such regions, vipers choose the outskirts of moss swamps, forest clearings, overgrown burnt areas, glades of mixed and coniferous massifs, banks of rivers and reservoirs as places of localization. Above sea level, the common viper is distributed up to 3000 m.

Vipera berus usually has a sedentary lifestyle, representatives of the species rarely move further than 100 m, and only during migrations in spring and autumn are they able to cover distances of up to 5 km, sometimes crossing quite wide water spaces. Vipers can also be found in anthropogenic landscapes: forest parks, basements of country and rural houses, abandoned buildings, vegetable gardens and farmland.

The diet of the common viper

The traditional "menu" of the common viper consists mainly of warm-blooded animals: moles, shrews, mice, small birds. But she does not neglect frogs, lizards, even manifestations of cannibalism occur when the snake eats its own brood. Vipera berus is rather gluttonous: at one time it is able to swallow 3-4 frogs or mice. At the same time, without any harm to themselves, representatives of the species go without food for 6-9 months. This ability is biologically determined:

in winter, snakes fall into a stupor, and during this period, fat deposited over the summer helps them maintain the necessary life processes;
snakes are forced to starve when, with a long consumption of the same type of food, the food supply is depleted.

Snakes mainly get water with food, but sometimes they drink dew or raindrops.