More snakes in the Pyrenees

Rosie living on the French side of the Pyrenees near Canigou wrote to us recently with a snake identification question. She’d found one in her house and managed to get this picture!

Smooth snake found in Rosie's house!

Smooth snake found in Rosie’s house!

It’s a little bit difficult to identify it without seeing its head but we think it’s a Smooth snake or Southern smooth snake. You’ll be pleased to hear Rosie that it’s non-venomous!

They’re found in northern and central Europe and we see them fairly regularly here on the Spanish side  at about 1000 meters.

We also had a great sighting of a snake whilst out hiking recently. It was swimming in a local barranco which is popular in the height of summer as a lovely swimming hole!

Viperine snake

Viperine snake

It was a Viperine snake and it’s the first time we’ve seen one here. Although it has the word ‘viper’ in it’s name it is in fact not an actual viper and only mimics one in colouring. It also mimics the ‘attacking’ pose of a viper to deter predators. You’ll find them near or in water; streams, swimming holes etc. and they will only venture a short distance away from a water spot when in search of a new watery hangout.

It was a great sighting however although they’re not venomous I may choose to swim somewhere else next year!

We’ve written more about snakes here.

 

 

by | Sep 22, 2015 | Fauna & Flora | 0 comments

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories: Fauna & Flora

Other recent articles…

Bus timetable for Ordesa – summer 2025

Bus timetable for Ordesa – summer 2025

Nestled in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, Ordesa National Park is a true gem for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. A UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush forests and huge biodiversity. Most hikes start at la Pardera and in high season, you need to take the shuttle bus from Torla. Read the summer 2025 bus timetable and dates.

read more
Last call to join our Priorat guided holiday — A hidden gem of Catalonia

Last call to join our Priorat guided holiday — A hidden gem of Catalonia

Save 100€ on our Walking in Wine Country itinerary! Spring is fast approaching, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to embark on a truly special adventure — our brand-new Priorat Guided Holiday. If you’ve been dreaming of a walking holiday filled with culture, history, and breath-taking landscapes, this is your last chance to secure your place for next month’s departure!

read more
Snowshoeing in the sunshine

Snowshoeing in the sunshine

We had a brilliant snowshoeing holiday early this month, and our group of six intrepid guests had absolutely perfect conditions! It was one of those magical weeks where it had snowed all of the week preceding the trip, and then the day the guests arrived, the sun broke through and we had fantastic weather all week along with great snow underfoot.

read more