A formidable snake native to northeastern Greece, Turkey, and nearby Aegean islands. Their bodies are thick and rugged, with keeled scales that add a textured, armored look. Dressed in shades of gray, white, or reddish-brown, they wear a bold, winding zigzag stripe along their back—a pattern that breaks apart into darker blotches and harmonizes perfectly with rocky outcrops, scrublands, and even rural gardens.

Unlike many vipers that hide in shadows, the Ottoman viper is diurnal, meaning it’s active during the day—especially in sunlit spots like steppes, rocky hillsides, and open lower slopes. It prefers well-vegetated terrain and often chooses terrains humans might also inhabit, such as terraced fields or olive groves. Despite its potent venom, this snake is known to be relatively calm-natured—happy to slither away when threatened rather than strike. Yet if cornered, it won’t hesitate to defend itself with lightning-fast aggression.

As a carnivore, this viper relies on stealth and strength. Its diet includes rodents, small birds, and lizards—anything that wanders close within striking range. A single steady bite injects venom that can deliver a powerful blow to small prey, and while human fatalities are rare, the venom is potent enough to require serious medical attention. This mix of reserve and readiness paints a picture of a snake perfectly tuned to its environment.

Though its range is broad and populations appear stable, the Ottoman viper remains protected under several regional and international agreements. It symbolizes both the wild character and fragility of its habitats.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Greece

2008

Turkey

2008