Panic, fear, horror, myths … and the end is often the same, a crushed reptilian body. Why do we always get there? Simply, because of ignorance. We are not aware, that these beings are mostly harmless, occasionally only lizards without legs. Moreover, we do not know how to behave with venomous species. This series is targeting the communities of different localities and regions, in order to present and popularize these species, and to introduce a fair behavior towards these reptiles, both for the sake of their and our own safety. We hope the next encounters will be more peaceful!

PRAID

For locals and tourists, those who venture into the surrounding paths! If you encounter a snake, then in most cases you will encounter the grass snake (Natrix natrix), a nonvenomous snake that prefers wet habitats and feeds on amphibians (frogs and tritons). It could be a smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), a nonvenomous snake on the sunny hills in the vicinity of Praid that prefer to feed on lizards and micro mammals – mice. More rarely, you can meet an Aesculapian  snake (Zamenis longissimus), a nonvenomous snake that can reach considerable lengths of more than 1.5 meters, consuming, among other things, bird birds captured in nests. Very often you can encounter a harmless, feetless slow worm (Anguis colchica) which feeds mainly on earthworms and slugs. The grass snake can be identified by its yellow ear, the smooth snake by the brown stripe under the eyes, and the slow worm after its shimmering, glass-like appearance. Do not kill these animals, they are harmless. These animals can be easily driven into a box or bucket placed on the ground. Transport them to the nearest wet natural habitat (grass snake) or to a sunny, bushy hillside (smooth snake, slow worm). The presence of these species near your home proves that you live in a healthy, natural environment. Be proud of this! However, towards the Bucin Pass, on the Alpine pastures and ferns we can meet with the only venomous species in the area, the common viper (Vipera berus). It can be recognized by the characteristic zigzag, but be careful of its melanistic variety! Viper bites can be avoided! Most bites happen when they are captured and handled! The viper is not a toy! Appropriate clothing, high boots, long trousers are a good defense. Be careful where you put your hand and where you sit. If you are bitten by the viper, you must stay calm, they are very rarely fatal, and there are also bites without venom, dried or with a small amount of venom. But you have to get to the hospital as soon as possible, call 112 for help! Do not use wraps; do not cut the wound, drink alcohol or other energy drinks.        

 

 

Târgu Mureș

Dear friends from Târgu Mureș and the surounding localities! If you encounter a snake, then in most cases you will encounter the grass snake (Natrix natrix) or, more rarely, the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), both species are nonvenemous. You can also find in the region an interesting harmless slow worm (Anguis colchica) and a legless lizard  species. There are no vipers in the area, so do not panic, do not call 112! The grass snake can be identified by its yellow ear, the smooth snake by the brown stripe under the eyes, and the slow worm after its shimmering, glass-like apparence. Do not kill these animals, they are harmless. They feed on frogs (grass snake), lizards and mice (smooth snake), earthworms and snails (slow worm). These animals can be easily driven into a box or bucket placed on the ground. Transport them to the nearest wet natural habitat (grass snake) or to a sunny, bushy hillside (smooth  snake, harmless slow worm ). The presence of these species near your home proves that you live in a healthy, natural environment. Be proud of this!