Snakes are present in Russia. The country’s vast territory encompasses diverse climates and geographical features, from dense forests and expansive steppes to wetlands and mountainous regions. These varied environments provide suitable habitats for numerous snake species across different parts of the country, making encounters a natural possibility.
Snake Diversity and Distribution
Russia is home to approximately 90 snake species, including various non-venomous types like grass snakes, rat snakes, and smooth snakes, alongside several venomous viper species. Their distribution is widespread, with different species inhabiting distinct geographical zones.
Non-venomous grass snakes (Natrix natrix) are common across the European part of Russia, Siberia, and the Caucasus, often found near water bodies like ponds, lakes, and marshes. They also inhabit drier areas such as gardens and woodlands, being strong swimmers and active during the day. The Dice Snake (Natrix tesselata) inhabits most parts of Russia, preferring areas near water. The Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca), typically 60-75 cm long, lives in forests and is often secretive.
Rat snakes, such as the Russian Rat Snake (Elaphe schrenckii), are prevalent in eastern Russia, including parts of the Amur River basin. These non-venomous snakes are adaptable, found in wetlands, farmlands, rocky hillsides, and woodlands, and are known for being excellent climbers and swimmers. The Caspian Whipsnake (Dolichophis caspius), one of the largest non-venomous snakes in Europe, inhabits regions like Ciscaucasia, the Caucasus, and the Volga region. Other non-venomous species include the Steppe Ratsnake (Elaphe dione) and the Dwarf Sand Boa (Eryx miliaris), found in varied habitats from forests to deserts.
Identifying Venomous Species
Russia has several venomous snake species, primarily belonging to the viper family. The most widespread is the Common European Viper (Vipera berus), also known as the adder, found throughout much of Russia, including the European part, Siberia, and the Far East. This species typically averages around 55 cm in length but can reach up to 90 cm, especially in northern areas.
Identifying features of the Common European Viper include a distinct dark zigzag pattern along its back, often bordered by rows of spots. Its head is relatively large and distinct, often displaying a dark ‘V’ or ‘X’ shaped mark on the back of the head, and it possesses vertical pupils. Coloration varies widely, ranging from grey, brown, or reddish to entirely black specimens.
Other venomous vipers in Russia include the Halys Pit Viper (Gloydius halys), found in southern Russia near Mongolia, which can grow up to 59 cm and has a gray, red, pale brown, or yellow body with dark spots and vertical pupils. The Ussuri Mamushi (Gloydius ussuriensis), a pit viper found in eastern Russia, is light brown-gray to black with dark elliptical blotches and vertical pupils. The Caucasus Viper (Vipera kaznakovi), inhabiting regions like the Caucasus Mountains, is a stout species up to 70 cm long with dark dorsal blotches and a zigzag pattern.
Nikolsky’s Viper (Vipera nikolskii), a black viper, occurs in some regions, such as around the Volga River, and can reach about 75 cm in length. The Steppe Viper (Vipera renardi) is another venomous species, generally smaller, whose venom is often compared to a severe wasp sting with typically mild bite effects. Non-venomous snakes like grass snakes have round pupils and often distinctive yellow or white spots behind their heads, while vipers are characterized by their vertical, slit-like pupils and typically more triangular heads.
Safety and Encounter Guidelines
Encountering a snake requires a cautious approach. When traversing areas known to harbor snakes, such as forests, grasslands, or near water bodies, wearing sturdy boots provides protection against accidental bites. Staying attentive to your surroundings and looking where you step or place your hands helps prevent unexpected encounters.
If a snake is sighted, maintain a respectful distance and avoid provoking it. Most snakes, including venomous ones, prefer to avoid human interaction and will typically retreat. Do not attempt to handle, capture, or harm the snake, as this increases the risk of a bite. Simply observe from a distance and allow the snake to move away naturally.
In the rare event of a snake bite, seek immediate medical attention, even if the snake is believed to be non-venomous. While fatalities from viper bites in Russia are uncommon, their venom can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Medical professionals can properly assess the bite, determine if it was from a venomous species, and administer appropriate treatment, such as antivenom if necessary.
Ecological Role and Conservation
Snakes play an important role in Russia’s ecosystems, contributing to their balance. As predators, they help control populations of rodents and other small animals, benefiting agricultural areas and preventing disease spread. Snakes also serve as a food source for larger predators, integrating them into the broader food web.
Their presence indicates a healthy and functioning ecosystem and biodiversity. Conservation efforts are underway in Russia to protect snake species and their habitats, many of which face threats like habitat loss. Several snake species are listed in the Red Data Book of Russia, indicating their protected status.
Species like the Caspian Whipsnake and certain vipers, including the Caucasus Viper (Vipera kaznakovi), Dinnik’s Viper (Vipera dinniki), Orlov’s Viper (Vipera orlovi), and Lotiev’s Viper (Vipera lotievi), are included in regional or national Red Data Books. Efforts in regions like the Volga Basin include establishing nature reserves to provide safe havens for snakes, allowing them to thrive and fulfill their ecological roles.