Steppe Viper risk to meet vacationers savages on the black sea coast as a civilized resort areas, and in the wild, not ennobled natural areas. In summer, the snake does not behave aggressively – most likely, noticing a person, will try to escape as soon as possible. And it appears on the surface of the earth only in the early morning or late evening, when the heat subsides. But in the sun it is quite possible to meet, so you need to be constantly careful. Snakes very many, they often emerge suddenly on the way rights. You can safely consider the snake from a distance, but in any case you can not approach and touch the reptile, it can bite.
Numbers
- Up to 30 years living Viper in the natural environment of Europe and Asia.
- 3-5 months is the maximum lifespan of this reptile in captivity. Many experiments were carried out, different conditions were created, but it was not possible to prolong life outside the natural habitat.
- 5 subspecies of steppe Viper known to zoologists today. Sometimes different steppe vipers additional names are given in accordance with the localities of residence: for example, the famous Crimean steppe Viper, Belgorod. Living in different areas, snakes may differ in the features of the pattern on the body, as well as behavioral nuances.
- 60 centimeters decorated with gray-brown ornament of the body, plus a 10-centimeter tail, 70 centimeters-this is the maximum length of the steppe Viper.
- From 2 to 4 days digested in the digestive tract swallowed her birds, all sorts of small rodents, crickets, lizards, dragonflies, spiders, grasshoppers.
- 2 meters-this is quite a significant depth reach the gorge ( in rocky terrain) or burrows that vipers temporarily borrowed from some rodent for the winter. By the way, contrary to popular belief, hiding there from October to March, they are exclusively alone. 2-3 individuals overwinter only if the area is heavily overpopulated by representatives of this species of reptiles.
- 2600 m altitude in the mountains, to which it is possible to meet this bastard.
- 6 degrees Celsius – the temperature at which the snakes begin to leave their winter shelters.
- 2 month-so much lasts mating season: with starters April on the end of may, in this time of the snake can behave aggressively.
- 3-5 months the female's pregnancy lasts. It's a viviparous snake. Small snakes are born in June and August.
- 3-6 cubs are born, their body length is up to 13 centimeters.
- 3.5-4.5 grams is the approximate weight of each newborn baby.
- 2-3 years is necessary to grow up the adder to the time when she could be born. By this time, the snakes grow to a length of 26-30 centimeters.
- Up to 160 individuals per 1 square kilometer can live in natural conditions convenient for successful existence.
- 70 milliseconds – such a small amount of time the snake is enough to react to the danger: to pounce on the object that threatens, bite and bounce back to the same place.
Peculiar properties
Steppe Viper-interesting facts.
- Lifestyle. Steppe vipers are perfectly able to swim, climb bushes and trees to a considerable height and at the same time move very quickly. They move slower on land than in water or on a tree.
- Restoration of the skin. Young vipers shed their skin much more often than adults. This is due to the fact that the little Viper is growing fast.
- Systematics. From the steppe Viper, which is also called the Western steppe Viper, the Eastern steppe Viper was separated and assigned to a separate species. It can be found in the forest steppes of Moldova.
- Virulence. Of all the vipers in this species the least dangerous poison for humans. If Valen animals die, the person can come numbness of limbs, act of swelling, but deadly poison can only be detected in some extreme cases. For example, if vkusnogo will have a few days to get to the doctors, while he had no first aid will be located in unsanitary conditions. Allergy and Quincus edema may also occur. Very dangerous bites to the head.
- Wintering. If the winter is not very cold, with frequent thaws, the snakes, awakened roztaloyu water that flows into their hole, can Wake up and get to the surface of the earth to bask on the rocks in the sun.
- Natural enemy. The steppe Viper carefully hides from the watchful eye of eagles, owls, as well as land predators that hunt it — from badgers, ferrets, hedgehogs and foxes. In marshy areas it is a favorite food of storks and herons.
- Aggressive behavior. Vipers are especially dangerous for humans in April-may, when they are looking for a mate.
- Protected by law. Due to the fact that the natural habitats of the steppe Viper are constantly being turned into agricultural land or built up, it was decided to take the Viper under protection, it is listed in the Red books of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the International Red book. It is also protected from extermination by the Berne Convention. By the way, because of the reduction in the number of reptiles ceased to catch for the production of poison, which is used to create therapeutic ointments.
- Use. It is known that in the steppe regions crops are often raided by locusts. One of the main enemies destroying this insect is the steppe Viper.
If the snake bit
If a Viper is bitten, it is important to know what actions should be taken to minimize the unpleasant effects of the bite. The severity of the victim's condition will be determined depending on where the snake bit. As soon as possible, you need to call an ambulance. Or provide first aid and immediately begin to transport the patient to the hospital.
- Within 15-20 minutes, it is often recommended to try to suck the poison out of the wound. It is important that the mucous membrane of the mouth at the same time was not broken skin, as through the wounds the poison can penetrate the body. Also, there should be no caries. Since the absence of wounds in the mouth and the quality of fillings is difficult to accurately determine, this advice is better not to follow. Especially, it is very dangerous if the poison gets into the body closer to the brain and organs of Dianna.
- We need to disinfect the bite and tape it tight.
- Take anti-allergic medication.
- Drink as much clean water as possible. But in any case, do not drink black tea and coffee – they expand blood vessels and increase pressure, which contributes to the rapid spread of the poison through the body. Moreover, you can not drink alcoholic beverages.
To snake bites, it is not necessary to approach her. If you come too close, you need to slowly retreat without making any sudden movements. In any case, you can not take a stick, a stone and attack the snake, it can become aggressive, and kill this useful reptile is not necessary. A snake won't bite unless it senses danger.