Dangerous Austrian Wildlife: What To Watch Out For

Austria is a largely mountainous country with a wide array of natural habitats, from forests to grasslands and rugged mountains. These habitats are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including some dangerous animals. While sightings of these creatures are rare, it's important to be aware of them and take necessary precautions when visiting or hiking in Austria. Here is an introduction to the topic of dangerous animals in Austria.

Austria's diverse landscapes attract various dangerous animals, including wolves, lynxes, wild boars, and snakes such as the common viper and horned viper. The country is also home to venomous spiders, such as the yellow sack spider and the southern black widow spider. One of the most dangerous animals in Austria is the Eurasian brown bear, which can cause severe injuries and even death. Other dangerous creatures include ticks, which can carry diseases like Lyme disease, and coyotes, which pose a threat to livestock and have no fear of humans.

In conclusion, while Austria boasts breathtaking scenery and a rich cultural heritage, it is essential to be cautious and informed about the potentially dangerous animals that inhabit its diverse ecosystems.

Bears

Brown bears are not typically aggressive and will only attack if they feel threatened or are protecting their cubs. If you do encounter one, it is best to keep your distance and not disturb their habitat. Attacks can be fatal, so it is important to prioritise your safety when in bear country.

In addition to brown bears, there are also a small number of wolves in Austria, though they are rarely seen on popular hiking routes. There are thought to be around 20-30 wolves in the country, with the majority found near the Czech border. While wolves generally avoid humans, they can be dangerous if they feel threatened or are protecting their young.

Other dangerous animals in Austria include venomous snakes, such as the common viper, horned viper, and Orsini's viper; wild boars; lynx; and ticks.

Vipers

Common Viper

The Common Viper is widely distributed throughout much of Europe and is responsible for more bites than almost any other snake on the continent. It can be identified by its dark brown colour and a zigzag pattern on its back. Adults average around 55cm (22 inches) long, and the head is fairly large and distinct with a dark V or X on the back.

The Common Viper is not considered incredibly dangerous as it is not very aggressive and rarely bites unless stepped on, picked up, or provoked. However, if bitten, its venom can cause pain, swelling, tingling, blisters, internal hemorrhaging, and necrosis. While the venom can be lethal, deaths are incredibly rare.

The Common Viper can be found in a variety of habitats, including forest clearings, marshlands, heathlands, pastures with hedgerows, and even alpine meadows in the Alps, at elevations of up to 1,900 meters.

Horned Viper

The Horned Viper is native to southern Austria and the Balkans and is considered the most dangerous venomous snake in Austria. Its venom is highly toxic, with both neurotoxic and cytotoxic components that cause swelling and severe pain. It also has long fangs (up to 13mm) to deliver its potentially lethal venom.

The Horned Viper is named after the distinctive single "horn" on its snout, which makes it easy to identify. It is usually found near rocks and stones, including stone walls, that provide some cover from vegetation. It can also be found in human settlements, such as farmland and railway embankments.

The Horned Viper can grow up to one meter in length and is generally a lethargic creature. However, if threatened or taken by surprise, it can deliver a nasty bite. It can be identified by its colour variations (silver-grey, beige, red, brown, or dark grey) and the dark zigzag pattern on its back.

Wild boars

Adult male boars can weigh up to 450 pounds, and their defence mechanism is their pointed tusks, which can measure around eight inches. They also have sharp canine teeth that can be up to ten centimetres long. If a wild boar decides to attack, it will usually charge at its victim, pointing its tusks towards them, which often results in injuries to the thigh region.

Wild boar hunting is popular in Austria and they can be hunted in all Central European hunting areas except the high mountain regions.

Ticks

To protect yourself from ticks, it is recommended to carry a Deet-based insect repellent and wear clothing that covers your whole body when hiking or spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are prevalent. If you find a tick on your skin, use tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull it out. If you develop any symptoms such as a circular or oval-shaped rash around the bite site or flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Wolves

The wolf population in Austria is expected to continue growing due to the increasing wolf populations in neighbouring countries. In the monitoring year 2020/2021, around 50 wolves were detected in Austria, with an estimated population of 20. As of 2020, the majority of wolf packs are found close to the Czech border, with the rest being roamers, and many residing in the Salzburg region.

While wolf sightings are fairly rare, it is important to take precautions when visiting forested areas in Austria. Wolves tend to avoid humans and are cautious animals, but they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or their young are at risk of harm.

Frequently asked questions