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The Blunt-Nosed Viper is not only the largest European viper but also one of the largest in its genus worldwide. Generally a robust snake reaching up to 150 cm and occasionally 200 cm. The Blunt-nosed Vipers ("Giurza" in Russian) are found in a wide range of David Gareja habitats: stony hillsides, shrubs, grassy meadows and dry infertile ground. It is a big strong viper with a sturdy head that is clearly distinguishable from the neck. Has relatively small eyes with perpendicular slit pupils and keeled scales. Background color generally light gray or pale brown with double row of opposing or alternating spots from head to tail along back. Belly light gray to yellow, with small dark brown spots. This viper has a very strong poison and is particularly dangerous. It's bite must be treated by antidote and the victim must be hospitalized. It is a mainly day-active viper though during the summer months of July and August it hunts at night. The danger from this snake lies mainly in the extreme speed of its attack and the method of biting: rather than bite and withdraw, it keeps its teeth lodged in its target and the movements of the jaw pump large amounts of poison into the wound. Again, not a snake to be approached lightly, although it generally makes a loud hissing before attacking, thus giving some warning. It attacks only in defense. If it is disturbed, it hisses loudly and may attack very rapidly. Its prey consists mainly of rats, mice, birds, lizards and occasionally snakes. Blunt-nosed viper is a
very corpulent , well camouflaged and often just laying on the ground near
or even in small water pits, waiting for birds to approach. When passing
the snake, it usually doesn't move, what makes it easily overseen by
hikers -
therefore:
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND WEAR
LONG TROUSERS AND PROPER SPORT SHOES OR HIGH BOOTS! |
