Snake-Free Austria: A Country Without Slithering Reptiles

Austria is home to several species of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. The country's native snakes include the grass snake, the smooth snake, the Aesculapian snake, the dice snake, the nose-horned viper, and the adder. In addition, exotic snakes, such as boas, have also been spotted in the wild, likely due to being set free by their owners. While snake bites are rare in Austria, they do occur, and can be dangerous, especially to children and the elderly. The public perception of snakes in Austria is mixed, with some people fascinated by them and others repelled, often due to fears and negative cultural associations.

What species of snakes are native to Austria?

Austria is home to several native snake species. The country's native snakes include the grass snake, the smooth snake, the Aesculapian snake, the dice snake, the nose-horned viper, and the adder.

The grass snake (*Natrix natrix natrix*) is a non-venomous snake species that typically reaches a length of 1.5 meters in Central Europe. It is identified by its greenish-ash-brown colouration, round pupils, nine large head-shields, and strong-stemmed dorsal scales. It also has two bright, dark, half-moon-shaped spots on the sides of its neck and a dirty-white underside with dark spots.

The smooth snake (*Coronella austriaca*) has a slender body covered with smooth scales and can be brown or grey in colour. It can grow up to 70 cm in length, and in exceptional cases, even up to 80 cm. Its head is slightly removed from its neck, forming a U-shape on its upper side, with a dark strip running from its nasal hole to the neck region.

The Aesculapian snake (*Zamenis longissimus*), formerly known as *Elaphe longissima*, is the largest domestic snake species in Austria, reaching lengths of over two meters. It is characterised by its narrow, slightly elongated, oval head and pointed tail. It has nine large signs on its head, a round pupil, and the absence of fangs, making it harmless. Its body is typically light or dark brown, occasionally olive, and slightly lighter in the anterior third. The underside is usually spotted with a yellowish-white tone but can also be dark in rare cases.

The dice snake (*Natrix tessellata tessellata*) is well-adapted for aquatic life, with upward-directed eyes and nose openings. It typically measures between 60 to 90 cm in length and, rarely, can exceed one meter. It has a slender build, a narrow head, and light or dark olive-brown to grey colouration with clearly pronounced dark drawings of square spots, often in four longitudinal series. Its neck has a V-shaped spot, and its underside is generally bright with dark spots, though it can also be longitudinally striped or completely black on rare occasions.

The nose-horned viper (*Vipera ammodytes ammodytes*) is a venomous snake species with a relatively plump body, a short tail, and a triangular rear head. It typically grows to lengths between 60 and 80 cm. This viper is identified by the numerous small head-signs and the distinctive scaled "horn" at the tip of its snout. Its eyes have a perpendicular split pupil, and its body colour varies from different tones of grey in males to brown or reddish-brown in females.

The adder (*Vipera berus berus*) is another venomous viper species found in Austria. It has a short tail, a compact trunk, a detached, triangular, and angular head, and numerous small shields on the head-side. It typically consists of five larger and many smaller plates and features a dark zigzag band on its back. It can reach lengths of 50 to 75 cm, and in rare cases, females can grow up to 85 cm.

Are there any venomous snakes in Austria?

Austria is home to several species of snakes, some of which are venomous. The Nose-Horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes), for instance, is a poisonous snake that can be found in the country. It typically has a length of 60 to 80 cm, a relatively plump body, a short tail, and a triangular head. Its body colour varies from grey in males to brown or reddish-brown in females. Another venomous snake found in Austria is the common European viper or common viper (Vipera berus berus), which is known to be three times as poisonous as the diamondback rattlesnake.

In addition to these venomous snakes, Austria also has several non-venomous snake species. The Grass Snake (Natrix natrix natrix), for example, is a non-toxic snake that can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and is coloured with greenish-ash-brown tones. The Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) is another non-venomous species found in Austria, with a slender body that can reach up to 70-80 cm in length. It is usually brown or grey in colour. The Aesculapian Snake (Zamenis longissimus), the largest domestic snake in Austria, is also non-venomous and can grow to a length of more than two meters.

What is the public perception of snakes in Austria?

Austria is home to several snake species, including the Aesculapian snake, the grass snake, the smooth snake, the dice snake, the nose-horned viper, and the adder. While some of these species are venomous, snake bites are rare in the country, and there are no reported fatalities from snake bites in recent years. However, the public perception of snakes in Austria is complex and multifaceted.

Public Perception of Snakes in Austria

The public perception of snakes in Austria is influenced by a combination of cultural, religious, and evolutionary factors. On the one hand, snakes are often associated with negative characteristics such as being eerie, unpredictable, disgusting, and slippery. This negative perception may stem from their depiction as evil and deceitful in the Christian-Judaic tradition and their significant role as predators of early humans. On the other hand, some people are fascinated by snakes and find them elegant, beautiful, and interesting. This fascination may be due to their unique physical characteristics and their perceived danger.

Factors Influencing Public Perception

Several factors influence the public perception of snakes in Austria:

• Fear and Disgust: A significant portion of the Austrian public, especially women, fear snakes. This fear may be rooted in evolutionary history, religious influences, and the physical characteristics of snakes that differentiate them from humans. As a result, snakes are often associated with negative attributes, and people may perceive them as a threat, even though snake bites are rare in the country.
• Knowledge and Experience: People's perception of snakes can be influenced by their level of knowledge about snakes and their personal experiences with them. Those who have had positive experiences with snakes or have a better understanding of their ecology and conservation may have a more positive perception.
• Gender and Age: Women tend to have more negative attitudes towards snakes than men, possibly due to higher fear levels. However, the difference in attitudes between genders is not significant. Additionally, younger people tend to have more positive attitudes towards snakes than older individuals.
• Education and Information: Providing accurate information about snakes, such as their ecology, conservation status, and the low risk they pose to humans, can help improve public perception. Educational programs, conservation initiatives, and public awareness campaigns can play a vital role in shaping how people view snakes.
• Regional Differences: People's perceptions may vary depending on their region in Austria. Those living in rural areas or closer to snake habitats might have different views than those in urban areas.

The public perception of snakes in Austria is complex and influenced by various factors. While some Austrians view snakes negatively due to fear, cultural influences, and physical characteristics, others find them fascinating and elegant. Educational initiatives and conservation programs can play a vital role in shaping public perception and promoting the conservation of these reptiles.

Are there any snake-related incidents in Austria?

Austria is home to two types of venomous snakes: the Common European Adder, or Viper, and the Nose-horned Viper. While snake bites are rare, there have been a few reported incidents in the country.

In one instance, a seven-year-old boy was bitten by a venomous Common European viper in a meadow in Albeck, Carinthia. He was rushed to the hospital and given the antidote. Luckily, the common viper is not very aggressive and usually only bites when it feels threatened or disturbed. Its venom is only dangerous to children and older people due to the small amount released in a bite.

In another incident, a 35-year-old man in Vienna was bitten by a snake that he had tried to capture and put in a bag. The man believed the snake was a harmless Aesculapian snake, but it became aggressive and bit him twice on the hand. The man's injuries were minor, and he was treated by disinfecting the wounds.

The Common European Adder, or Viper, is easily identifiable by its zigzag stripe on its back and dark V or X on its head. Adults typically grow to around 55 cm (22 inches) in length and can be brown, red, light grey, or black in colour. They are found in various habitats, including forest clearings, marshlands, and even alpine meadows in the Alps.

The Nose-horned Viper, also known as the Horned Viper, Long-nosed Viper, or Sand Viper, is considered the most dangerous venomous snake in Austria. Its venom is highly toxic, causing severe pain and swelling. This species typically grows to 50-70 cm in length but can sometimes be larger. They are usually found near rocks and stone walls, providing cover from vegetation.

Are there any zoos in Austria that house snakes?

Austria is home to several species of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. The venomous varieties include the Nose-horned Viper and the Common European Adder/Viper, while non-venomous snakes include the Grass Snake, the Smooth Snake, and the Aesculapian Snake.

When it comes to zoos in Austria that house snakes, one prominent example is the Schönbrunn Zoo (also known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn or Vienna Zoo) located in the city of Vienna. Established in 1752, it is the oldest zoo still in operation worldwide and boasts a diverse array of animal species, including snakes. The zoo's Aquarium and Terrarium House features a range of reptiles, such as iguanas, tortoises, and snakes. The Desert House at the zoo's entrance gates also showcases rattlesnakes as part of its desert habitat exhibit.

Another zoo in Austria that houses snakes is HAPP's Reptilienzoo, which is dedicated specifically to reptiles. Their website mentions various species of snakes native to Austria, including the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix natrix), the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca), the Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus), the Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata tessellata), the Nose-Horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes), and the Adder (Vipera berus berus). The zoo's contact information is provided, indicating its location in Villach, Austria.

While the focus is on zoos, it is worth noting that snakes are also exhibited at other types of attractions in Austria. For example, the Haidachhof, a listed farm building relocated to the Schönbrunn Zoo, features a terrarium with native reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, the Birdwatching HQ website mentions live animal cameras in someone's backyard in Austria, which have spotted a couple of venomous snake species.

Frequently asked questions