A sleek, agile, and fascinating reptile that inhabits the warm and rocky landscapes of southern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, and parts of western Asia. It is a close relative of the Western Montpellier snake but differs slightly in appearance and range, being more common in the eastern Mediterranean region. This species is a master of adaptation, thriving in dry scrublands, stony hills, olive groves, and open plains where it can bask under the sun and hunt with precision. Its coloration ranges from olive-green to sandy brown, sometimes with faint stripes or dark blotches that help it blend seamlessly into the dry, sunlit environment.
Despite its calm and elegant appearance, the Eastern Montpellier snake is a skilled predator. It is primarily diurnal, meaning it is active during the day, using its keen eyesight and quick reflexes to chase down prey. Its diet is varied, consisting of lizards, small birds, rodents, and sometimes even other snakes—including venomous ones. Like its cousin, the false cobra, it has rear-positioned fangs and a mild venom that is effective for subduing prey but poses little threat to humans. When hunting, it strikes swiftly, then waits as the venom takes effect before swallowing its meal whole. When threatened, the snake will sometimes flatten its neck slightly and lift the front of its body off the ground, mimicking a cobra’s defensive stance to appear more dangerous than it really is. This impressive display, combined with a sharp hiss, is usually enough to scare off most would-be attackers.
Unlike many snakes that rely purely on ambush, this species often actively chases its prey, slithering quickly through dry grass or darting across rocky surfaces in pursuit. It is also one of the few snakes known to occasionally climb shrubs or low trees in search of food or basking spots.
Distribution
Albania
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bosnia and Herz.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Egypt
Georgia
Greece
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Slovenia
Syria
Tunisia
TurkeyAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
