A Snake in the Grass

You may have heard tales of the dreaded Cobra being sighted in the Algarve, but as Vaughan Willmore discovers, we have little to fear from them or any other snakes to be found in Portugal. 

With the warmer weather finally here, many of us will be spending more time in our gardens and exploring the Algarve’s wonderful rural pathways. For those of us from the UK and the northern hemisphere, it can come as something of a surprise (and occasional terror!) when we encounter a snake. But don’t worry. We don’t have too much to fear from these much-maligned creatures. 

Portugal has very few snakes and none of them are especially harmful, or at least not to humans, though we should always take care to protect ourselves, pets and livestock. Fully grown, they can range in size from a moderate 60 cm to a whopping 240 cm. Their staple diet is dependent on their habitat, with rodents, lizards, small fish, small birds, and spiders typically being their favoured form of nourishment. A few are known to be venomous but of relatively little danger to humans. 

The Montpellier snake can grow up to 240 cm and it is venomous, but because its fangs are at the very back of its top jaw, it makes it very difficult for them to bite human beings. Even if bitten, the symptoms of swelling, stiffness and fever tend to pass after a few hours. 

Despite their intimidating names, any bites caused by the Portuguese Viper and the Lataste’s Viper are also unlikely to be serious. The Portuguese Viper is only found in northern Portugal (and Spain), while the Lateste’s Viper is more at home here in the Algarve and especially around Monchique, which offers a perfect habitat.

Probably the most commonly seen snake in Portugal is the Ladder Snake, which has a clearly defined ladder pattern running the length of its back. Regrettably, they have a tendency to ‘sunbathe’ on dirt tracks and roads, which leads to a high mortality rate. 

There can be occasions whereby people have an allergic reaction to a snake bite, as can happen with a bee or wasp sting. If you or someone else you know is bitten by a snake then: 

  • Move away from the place where the bite happened as there could be more snakes. 
  • Keep calm. In the unlikely event there is venom, agitation and movement aid its circulation. 
  • Remove rings, watches, bracelets, socks or any other constriction near the bite area as swelling is likely. 
  • Mark the area of the bite with a pen, if possible. 
  • If pain relief is needed, use only paracetamol. 
  • Seek medical assistance at the earliest opportunity. 
  • If safe to do so, take a photograph of the snake and/or its surroundings, as this may help with any treatment. 
  • Crossing paths with a snake can be unnerving and even terrifying, but it only ever really happens because we are disturbing their habitat. The snake is probably just as spooked by the interaction as you are! As for tall tales about the dreaded Cobra, then there’s nothing to be feared, or at least not here in Portugal. Cobra is simply the Portuguese word for snake! 

Snakes found in Portugal

  • Horseshoe Whip Snake 
  • False (and Southern) Smooth Snake 
  • Ladder Snake 
  • Montpellier Snake 
  • Grass Snake 
  • Viperine Snake 
  • Lataste’s Viper 
  • Portuguese Viper 

There is helpful information on the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention website about how to reduce the risk of being bitten and what to do in the unlikely event you are bitten. 

(main image: Horseshoe Whip Snake)

www.cdc.gov

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