Leopard Snake
Zamenis situla
The Leopard Snake is named for its distinctive pattern of red spots which cover the body over a grey, tan or reddish background.
They are carnivores with a very mild venom. This is not enough to subdue prey like rodents and birds. Instead, they rely on constricting prey, like a python. Some people will tolerate them in their homes where they control rodent populations and are seen as good luck.
Main threats
Habitat loss, pet trade and agriculture.
Distribution
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Turkey, Ukraine, and possibly Cyprus.
Preferred habitat
Rock piles, field edges, dry stone walls, rocky screes and occasionally around marshes.
Favourite food
Small birds, rodents, insects and lizards.
Description
Length: up to 90cm
Lifespan: up to 25 years
Family facts
By far the most common snake around human habitation. The Greeks know this snake by the name 'house snake'. They are often found in houses, under them, in cellars, barns, gardens and rubbish dumps, where they are undoubtedly attracted by rodents.
ost tend not to climb, and are generally more active by dusk, disliking intense heat, they often retreat into hiding to escape the heat and are rarely seen during the hotter months of the year.