Snake ID please

[Snowfire]

I'm hoping one of the experts on here can help with idenifying this snake please. My Scouts are hoping it's venonmous

We spotted it on a hike in the Gasterntal Valley in Switzerland a few weeks ago.

Many thanks

[/URL] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

[/URL] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

 

[shaggystu]

looks just like a common adder to me, but i know very little about reptiles. jonathan'll be along soon to tell you for definate

stuart

 

[blacktimberwolf]

Looks like a viper to me too, but Jonathan is our snake man.

 

[JonathanD]

Oh baby. That is an Asp (vipera aspis). A very beautiful snake and indeed venomous. Closely related to our adder, but packs are bigger punch in the venom stakes.

 

[Snowfire]

Fantastic, thank you for the quick response. The Scouts will be pleased.

 

[shaggystu]

looks just like a common adder to me......

.....Closely related to our adder........

plenty close enough to be classed as a win in my book!

 

[JonathanD]

plenty close enough to be classed as a win in my book!

Not much difference visually mate. A few experts can't tell certain individuals of those two species apart.

 

[shaggystu]

Not much difference visually mate. A few experts can't tell certain individuals of those two species apart.

well i was only joking but, hey, you've got to get it where you can! i can't tell an adder from an asp, i shall count myself amongst the "few experts" who can't either!

 

[BOD]

Nice looking snack!

 

[JonathanD]

Nice looking snack!

You've obviously been eating far too many retics. These things are far too small and bony.

 

[BOD]

You've obviously been eating far too many retics. These things are far too small and bony.

Haven't eaten a retic, or any snake since 2003.

Only if necessary. Not squeamish just believe in live and let live.

My cat thinks otherwise though