Are there snakes in Spain is the article we will talk about. Spain, one of the world’s most well-liked holiday spots, is well-known for its golden, sandy beaches, sunny weather, and mouthwatering tapas delicacies.
The bustling cities and the Spanish Costas, however, can also have a different side to life.
Spain is home to numerous snake species, some of which are quite dangerous. These snakes may bite humans fatally, so if you get bitten by five of them, you need to get medical help
right away.
On the hot Iberian peninsula, additional non-venomous snakes can be found. This guide covers all the essential information about the types of snakes that can be found in Spain. We’ll discuss where in Spain each type of snake can be found, how to recognize them, and what to do if
you come into touch with one or are bitten by one.
In Spain, snakes are protected because they help control the population of pests. Not least of all,
rodents, which make up a large portion of many snakes’ diets.
Always be careful not to provoke a snake. Even the most dangerous species often avoid interacting with
people, so as long as you leave it alone, everything should be fine.
If you are bitten by a potentially venomous snake in Spain, get medical help right away if you have
symptoms like fever, stiffness, vomiting, numbness, swelling, dizziness, breathing problems, or even loss
of consciousness.
Always err on the side of caution, especially while traveling far from home. Additionally, you can have a
previously undiagnosed allergy to snake venom. The likelihood of getting bitten by a Spanish snake is incredibly remote—about 15 million to one.
Are there Snakes in Spain?
Let’s start by examining the big picture. Does Spain have snakes? Of sure, I say. These slithery critters
thrive in some areas of this warm, dry land.
There are more than ten different kinds of snakes that live in Spain, but only five of them are seriously
venomous, so you shouldn’t be too concerned. They frequently inhabit dry, rocky locations far from populated places.
Therefore, it is more of an issue for individuals traveling off the main path in Europe for a year than it is for the typical tourist.
Continue reading for an overview of each major species of snake found in Spain.
Spain has 12 different species of snakes.
12 Deadliest Snakes in Spain
The snakes listed below are ones you should avoid encountering.
Although many only inhabit mountainous regions, they can be found throughout the nation, so it’s best
to exercise caution. Seoane’s viper, asp viper, Montpellier snake, lataste’s viper, and false smooth snake are the five venomous snake species that are particularly deadly in Spain.
Always seek medical assistance right away if you think you may have been bitten by one of these.
1. Viper of Seoane (Vipera Seoanei)
The Viper of Seoane is one of the first snakes in Spain that you should be aware of.
It is also known as the Iberian cross-adder, the Baskian viper, and Seoane’s viper. Its name is Vipera
Seoane in Latin.
Northern Spain is where these vipers are most common. They live in regions of northern Portugal and
southwestern France. They often reside in and close to northern Spain’s mountain ranges.
There are a number of various varieties, which you should be aware of when trying to identify them.
On a beige or light-gray background, the first version is distinguished by a characteristic brown zigzag
pattern running down the back.
Two ground-colored lines that run the length of the second version’s body help to identify it, while the
third variation is brown all over. The venomousness of this snake, which is just around half a meter long, varies greatly depending on the locality.
The most toxic are supposedly those from the Cantabrian mountains.
Despite the fact that fatalities are uncommon and typically only affect the very young or very old, it is
advisable to seek medical assistance right away if you are bitten by one of these.
2. Fake Smooth Snake (Macroprotodon Cucullatus)
The Latin name for the false smooth snake is Macroprotodon Cucullatus, and it is also sometimes called
the hooded snake. Europe is home to this kind of snake, especially Catalonia in northern Spain.
The good news is that although it can be found in a variety of environments, including near water, in
rocky regions, around shrubland, and occasionally even where humans live, you’re not very likely to be
struck by one because of its rear fangs.
Although the venom isn’t particularly deadly to humans, it’s better to consult a doctor. Following a snake bite, there is always a chance of infection in addition to poison. Additionally, a wound
may be extremely painful.
3. Montpellier Snake (Malpolon Monspessulanus)
Malpolon Monspessalanus, sometimes known as the Montpellier snake, is significantly bigger than
Seoane’s viper. A typical specimen is approximately 2 meters long, making it four times as big.
Although its preferred habitat is sandy, it can also be found in the mountains or close to river banks.
It is spotty and a mixture of green, gray, brown, and black in hue.
If you come across a Montpellier snake in Spain, it will hiss while raising its head as a warning.
Although the fact that its fangs are in the back greatly reduces the likelihood of a bite, now is the time to
back off. If this snake bites you, you’ll likely have numbness, edema, or stiffness, potentially along with a fever.
4. Viper of Lataste (Vipera Latastei)
The Snake of Lataste, also known as Vipera Latastei, is a distinctive snub-nosed viper.
It usually emerges from under a surface with a triangular head and a dark-colored zigzag pattern.
This snake prefers to avoid conflict, thus unless provoked, it is unlikely to bite.
If you’re unlucky, it’s advisable to seek medical assistance right once because fatalities have been reported. You’re not very likely to run with Lataste’s viper if you frequently visit the rugged Iberian peninsula, especially because it’s a declining species.
5. Asp Snake (Vipera Aspis)
Unless you’re a mountaineer, this snake species prefers to reside in the Pyrenees, so you shouldn’t
worry too much about it. It may also go by the names Viper Asp or Vipera Aspis in Latin.
Having said that, the unfortunate victim could lose their life from one bite from this snake, which is
among the most poisonous in Spain.
If this occurs, you should definitely seek medical care right away.
This snake measures between 60 and 70 centimeters in length and has a triangular head.
The good news is that it often avoids people, so unless you intentionally set out to cause trouble, you
should be rather safe.
6. Horseshoe Whip Snake
Because of its typically huge head, this snake is rather harmless and simple to identify. It has a chain-like pattern on a dark brown background and is dark in hue. The Horseshoe Whip snake is most frequently found in southern Spain.
7. Water Viper Snake
The viperine snake, also known as the viperine water snake, is a common sight in some places since it
frequents lakes and rivers. Despite being referred to as a viper, this snake is not dangerous.
8. Snake Ladder
Spain is home to this species. All you should receive is a rather unpleasant bite, but they may attack if provoked—and who could blame them?—but that’s about it.
9. Aesculapian Snake.
Only the very north of Spain is home to the Aesculapian Snake. They are relatively harmless, despite their 2-meter length making them a jaw-dropping appearance.
10. Smooth snake of the South
This slithery animal inhabits the southern regions of Spain and North Africa, as its name suggests.
The typical one is a little longer than half a meter.
11. Western or Green Whip Snake
Despite its highly striking appearance and potentially threatening lime green hue, this snake is actually
rather harmless.
It’s probably for the best because it occasionally even appears in populated areas.
12. Grass Snake
Grass snakes are common throughout Europe, including the UK.
This species can be found in or near rivers, lakes, and other bodies of freshwater all over Spain because
it enjoys them.
FAQs about snakes in Spain
In Spain, how prevalent are snakes?
In Spain, there are just a few snake attacks per year, therefore there is no need for excessive concern.
In Spain, the creatures are actually rather common, but they tend to avoid people. The majority reside in
wilderness settings, especially when there are mountains.
Are there any poisonous snakes in Spain?
If you’re worried, these are five snakes you should be aware of in Spain. These include the Asp Viper,
Montpellier Snake, False Smooth Snake, Viper of Seoane, and Viper of Lataste.
The latter poses the greatest risk to people. The Pyrenees are where this lizard with a triangular head is
most frequently seen.
Are there many snakes in Spain?
In Spain, there are only a few snake species—roughly a dozen. The five that should be avoided are those
that is particularly harmful to people.
Although snakes can be found all over Spain, they generally avoid interacting with people. Most will
leave people alone if provoked, so it’s best to exercise caution if you do see one.
Does the Costa del Sol have snakes?
Due to the fact that the Costa del Sol is a part of Andalusia, you may see some southern snakes there,
particularly in less populated regions.
In particular in rocky locations, keep an eye out for the Horseshoe whip snake, Montpellier snake, or
ladder snake.
Do snakes exist in Benidorm?
In Benidorm or along the Costa Blanca, you are unlikely to come into contact with a snake unless you go
to the right kind of wildlife center.
Just to be safe, long pants should only be worn by those who venture into the hills or the wilderness.
Before going outside, you can also become familiar with the dangerous species.
What should I do if a snake bites me?
The first thing to do if you are unfortunate enough to get bitten by a snake is to leave the area as quickly
as you can. If more snakes are present, this is the situation. You might need to assist the victim in getting to dry land if the bite happened in water.
The victim of a bite should maintain their composure and remain still for as long as it’s safe to do so.
More mobility allows the poison to circulate more quickly throughout the body.
Never wash or rub the injured area. Additionally, you shouldn’t use heat, ice, or pressure bandages.
As soon as it’s safe to do so, dial 911 for medical aid. Use the recovery position if necessary, and keep an
eye on the victim at all times.
If you can, immobilize the injured limb with a splint. Remove any constrictive clothing or jewelry that
can prevent blood flow, as swelling is likely to occur. Avoid using tourniquets.
Mark the spot where the bite happened if you have a pen on hand.
This might be useful to doctors as they treat patients. In case they lose consciousness, ask the sufferer
to describe the snake if they saw it.
If you do use or administer pain medication, limit yourself to moderate paracetamol. Avoid consuming
alcohol, caffeine, or other stimulants.
