OOOOH DEAR!! - I really didn't know they came that big here in Cyprus!!! I first heard about the snake when having coffee with my dear friend Anna - whos'e intrepid husband Skippy ( Giorgos Bazillis but known as Skippy due to his time in Australia) encountered the beast lying in the undergrowth whilst gardening outside one of the village schools.
Skippy having summoned help from other council workers, kept guard over the snake, trying to dispatch it with rocks whilst waiting for reinforcements to arrive - fortunately the snake was sleepy, so stayed put long enough for the heavy rake to 'make safe'.
The story of the snake incident was then relayed among lunchtime diners in the taverna - word spread fast - this was truly a splendid but potentially dangerous specimen and best not left lying about outside the school gates!
A true reminder as to why we don't wander about in the grass without boots, and have our garden bushes trimmed to a foot above the ground. However - the snakes have been here for many years, and one this size does indeed command a certain level of respect. - as long as it's not in MY garden.
There are 3 poisonous snakes in Cyprus but you only need to be cautious of a blunt-nosed viper.
The Blunt-nosed Viper - has distinct markings of large spots on either brown or grey skin depending on age and with a characteristic spade-shaped head. Poisonous and moves more slowly than other snakes. Commonly found near river and stream beds.
The Montpellier - also poisonous but moves very quickly so you are unlikely to be bothered unless actively looking for one! Brown in color and can grow to 2 metres in length. Hisses loudly if threatened.
The Cat Snake - last of the poisonous Cyprus snakes. A small snake with back fangs so you can only get bitten if you put a finger down a cat snake's throat! Long thin body with either beige or brownish-green color with square-shaped markings in a diamond pattern.
Skippy having summoned help from other council workers, kept guard over the snake, trying to dispatch it with rocks whilst waiting for reinforcements to arrive - fortunately the snake was sleepy, so stayed put long enough for the heavy rake to 'make safe'.
The story of the snake incident was then relayed among lunchtime diners in the taverna - word spread fast - this was truly a splendid but potentially dangerous specimen and best not left lying about outside the school gates!
A true reminder as to why we don't wander about in the grass without boots, and have our garden bushes trimmed to a foot above the ground. However - the snakes have been here for many years, and one this size does indeed command a certain level of respect. - as long as it's not in MY garden.
There are 3 poisonous snakes in Cyprus but you only need to be cautious of a blunt-nosed viper.
The Blunt-nosed Viper - has distinct markings of large spots on either brown or grey skin depending on age and with a characteristic spade-shaped head. Poisonous and moves more slowly than other snakes. Commonly found near river and stream beds.
The Montpellier - also poisonous but moves very quickly so you are unlikely to be bothered unless actively looking for one! Brown in color and can grow to 2 metres in length. Hisses loudly if threatened.
The Cat Snake - last of the poisonous Cyprus snakes. A small snake with back fangs so you can only get bitten if you put a finger down a cat snake's throat! Long thin body with either beige or brownish-green color with square-shaped markings in a diamond pattern.
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