Snake Sightings In Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria is home to several species of snakes, including both venomous and non-venomous varieties. While the presence of snakes in Austria may come as a surprise to some, there have been multiple reports and incidents involving snakes in the country. From walkers stumbling upon giant exotic snakes to venomous viper bites, Austria's slithering reptiles have certainly made their presence known. So, are there snakes in Austria? The answer is a definitive yes, and it's important for locals and visitors alike to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions when exploring the beautiful Austrian landscapes.

Non-venomous snakes in Austria

Austria is home to several species of snakes, some of which are venomous. However, there are also non-venomous snakes that inhabit the diverse landscapes of this country. Here is some information about the non-venomous snakes found in Austria:

While specific details about non-venomous snakes in Austria are scarce, it is important to note that not all snakes in the country are venomous. Some snakes pose little to no danger to humans. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid handling or disturbing any snake, regardless of its venomous nature.

In general, snakes tend to avoid human contact and will only strike if they feel threatened or are provoked. Respecting their space and maintaining a safe distance is the best way to avoid any potential conflict with these reptiles.

Among the venomous snakes in Austria are the Common European Adder or Viper (also known as the Common Viper), and the Nose-horned Viper (also called the Horned Viper, Long-nosed Viper, or Sand Viper). These venomous species should be left alone as they can inflict painful and potentially lethal bites.

The Common European Adder or Viper

The Common European Adder or Viper (Vipera berus) is found in various habitats across Austria, including forest clearings, marshlands, heathlands, pastures with hedgerows, and even alpine meadows in the Alps. It is easily identifiable by its average length of around 55 cm (22 inches) and its zigzag stripe on the back. Its colour can vary, ranging from brown, red, or light grey, and some individuals are entirely black.

The Nose-horned Viper

The Nose-horned Viper, also known as the Horned Viper, is considered the most dangerous venomous snake in Austria. It can be identified by its distinctive single "horn" on the snout and its average length of 50-70 cm. Both male and female Nose-horned Vipers exhibit a zigzag pattern on their backs, although their colour patterns differ slightly.

Other Snake Species in Austria

In addition to the venomous species mentioned above, Austria has also reported sightings of exotic snakes, such as Boas. In 2016, walkers in Lower Austria stumbled upon one-metre-long exotic snakes from the Boa family on two separate occasions. These snakes were believed to have been set free by their owner and were subsequently handed over to a local animal home.

Common European vipers

The common European viper, also known as the European common adder, is a venomous snake species widespread in Europe and Asia. It has a stout body and can grow up to a maximum length of 85 cm, although some sources state they do not exceed 55 cm. The common European viper has distinctive features, including a dark zigzag band on its back accompanied by round spots along its flanks. The colouring varies between the sexes, with males having a black pattern on a grey ground, and females exhibiting a dark brown pattern on a lighter brown ground. The pupils of this viper are vertically elliptical in shape.

This viper typically avoids human contact and is generally not aggressive unless it feels threatened. It becomes defensive when disturbed or alarmed, such as when someone accidentally steps too close or tries to capture it. The common European viper has two long, hollow fangs connected to its venom gland. When biting, these fangs rapidly move forward, forming a right angle with the jaw. The venom is highly complex, consisting of various enzymes and toxins that can cause both local and systemic symptoms. While the bite is not fatal for healthy adults, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, especially for children, older people, or those with weakened health.

The common European viper is found in various habitats across its range, including meadows, forests, and mountainous regions. They are often mentioned in literary works, and their presence in Europe extends north of the Arctic Circle in Norway and Scandinavia. The species is closely related to the asp viper, sharing similar physical characteristics.

In summary, the common European viper is a venomous snake species found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It is identifiable by its stout body, distinctive zigzag pattern, and elliptical pupils. While typically reclusive, it can become aggressive when threatened, delivering a venomous bite that requires prompt medical attention, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Exotic snakes in Austria

Austria is home to a variety of snakes, some of which are exotic and even dangerous. While most snakes in Austria are native to the region, a few exotic species have also been spotted in the country. Here is a closer look at some of the exotic snakes that have been found in Austria.

Exotic Boa Species

In 2016, walkers in the Lower Austrian town of Semmering stumbled upon a one-metre-long exotic snake from the Boa family. A second group of walkers reported a similar encounter with another huge snake on a hiking trail near the bottom of a local cable car. It is believed that the two snakes, which were later handed over to a local animal home, were set free by their owner. While Boa constrictors are not native to Austria, they are commonly kept as pets, and it is possible that the two snakes had escaped or been released by their owner.

Aesculapian Snake

The Aesculapian Snake, also known as the Aesculapian Rat Snake, is a long and slender snake that can grow up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length. It is typically dark bronze with very smooth scales, giving it a metallic sheen. However, adult snakes can also be olive-yellow, brownish-green, or almost black, sometimes with white freckles on their bodies. This species is a constrictor and primarily feeds on small rodents, birds, and bird eggs. While they are fairly common in Austria, they are rarely seen due to their secretive nature and excellent camouflage.

Grass Snake

The Grass Snake, also known as the Ringed Snake or Water Snake, is one of the most common snakes in Austria. They can grow up to 150 cm (59 inches) long and are usually olive-green, brown, or greyish with rows of black spots on their backs. As strong swimmers, they are often found near ponds, lakes, streams, ditches, and marshes. However, they can also be found in drier habitats, such as gardens, open woodlands, and grasslands. Grass Snakes are non-venomous and rarely bite, instead relying on hissing and spraying a smelly substance to defend themselves.

Barred Grass Snake

The Barred Grass Snake is a close relative of the Grass Snake but lacks the bright yellow collar of its cousin. It has a dark grey-green upper body with black barring along the flanks and a distinctive yellow and black collar around the neck. Growing over a meter (3.3 feet) in length, this species is active when searching for its primary prey of frogs, toads, and salamanders. Like the Grass Snake, the Barred Grass Snake is non-venomous and rarely bites, relying on other defence mechanisms such as releasing a nasty garlic-scented fluid through its anus.

Snake bites in Austria

While it is rare, it is possible to encounter a snake bite in Austria. There are two types of venomous snakes native to the country: the Common European Adder (or Viper) and the Nose-horned Viper.

The Common European Adder is generally not very aggressive and will only bite if stepped on, picked up, or provoked. It is found in a variety of habitats, including forest clearings, marshlands, heathlands, pastures with hedgerows, and even alpine meadows in the Alps. Adults average around 55 cm (22 inches) long and have a distinctive dark V or X on the back of their head. If you are bitten by this snake, you should seek medical attention immediately, as its bite can be lethal, although deaths are incredibly rare.

The Nose-horned Viper is the most dangerous venomous snake in Austria. Its venom is highly toxic, with neurotoxic and cytotoxic components that cause swelling and severe pain. They have long fangs (approximately 13mm) to deliver their potentially lethal venom. This species is often found near rocks and stones, including stone walls, and they are not easily agitated, typically only biting when handled or accidentally stepped on.

In addition to these native species, it is possible to encounter non-native snakes in Austria. For example, in 2016, walkers in Lower Austria stumbled upon two exotic one-metre-long snakes from the Boa family that had likely been set free by their owner.

If you are bitten by any type of snake in Austria, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if the snake is not venomous. Do not try to capture or kill the snake, as this may aggravate it and cause it to bite again. Instead, note the snake's characteristics, such as its colour, size, and any distinctive markings, as this will help medical professionals identify the species and provide the appropriate treatment.

Firefighters and snakes

In Austria, firefighters are sometimes called upon to deal with snakes, which can range from small, harmless creatures to large and venomous species. The country is home to a variety of snakes, including the Common European viper, which is found throughout western Europe and Asia. This viper is highly venomous, with poison up to three times as potent as a diamondback rattlesnake. However, due to the small amount of venom released in a bite, it is only considered dangerous to children and the elderly.

Firefighter Jinat Ngayup, based at the Petra Jaya fire station, has extensive experience in snake catching. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the snake species first, as non-venomous snakes are generally less challenging to handle. Firefighters use specialized equipment like snake tongs to safely capture and remove snakes from residential areas or places where they might pose a threat.

In addition to venomous vipers, firefighters in Austria may also encounter exotic snakes, such as the Boa constrictor. In one incident, walkers in a Lower Austrian town stumbled upon a one-meter-long exotic snake from the Boa family, leading to a mountain rescue team capturing and relocating the snake to a local animal home.

Firefighters play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the public when it comes to snakes. They are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to handle and capture snakes effectively, protecting both the public and the snakes themselves.

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