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I've seen a snake near Larrasoana on the CF last year.
That is not a snake though it does look very like one. It is a slow worm - actually a type of legless lizard. I have quite a big colony of them in my garden. Beautiful copper and bronze colours. Completely harmless. I'm very glad to have them here.
I am very interested in snakes and lizards and keep my eyes peeled for them as I walk. I have seen very few along the Caminos over the years. They will be there but they usually have the good sense to keep well out of sight
Just in case you want to look out for them.. here’s one a friend saw earlier!
Very interesting. I've never heard of those and I thought it was unusual looking.
Compared to your South African species the Spanish ones are very modest. Even the 3 venomous viper species present little risk to humans though a bite from one should always be treated as a medical emergency.
Hmmm...I could be wrong, but based on the body and shape of the head that does appear to be a venomous species to me, a viper of sorts. Give those wide berth, but still highly unlikely to be a threat to pilgrims.
That looks like one of the vipers. I'd be interested to know where the photo was taken. If it was in the section between SJPDP and anywhere around Burgos it was quite likely an Asp viper (Vipera aspis) which has the most potent venom of the three Spanish species. Considerably more toxic than our British adder which is closely related but bites rarely cause serious long-term injury if treated promptly. The Spanish viper species all look quite similar and are all venomous. Well worth keeping your distance from it. A bite from one would definitely spoil your day, more likely your whole week, and potentially more.
I stayed in a bungalow down in south Thailand many years ago, at Kata beach. Those big Asian centipedes were numerous and I saw several everyday around the bungalow in the garden area. I always checked my bungalow room at night before I went to sleep to make sure none decided to make residence inside. That would be a nasty shock to step on one in the dark.
A few years ago my daughter phoned me from Thailand and said she had just seen a pretty big snake pass by the steps of the cabin she was staying in. Just after sunset but still enough light to see. From her description I was about 95% certain that it was a krait. She was pretty cautious when stepping outside in the dark after that.
They're even more fun when they decide to hang out under your pillow.
Kraits are gorgeous, but not a snake I'd want to step on by accident...
Come to California and you'll see a snake every time you hike!
Saw my first snake in the allotments outside Logrono about three weeks ago. A large bird swooped down and when it took off again, it had a snake dangling from its beak.
Ooooo! Lucky you.
I think that may be a legless lizard, commonly see in Europe.
I think he just wanted to get a picture of humansHe must have been big to carry off your camera!
This photo was taken on the Kumano Kodo in Japan about a month ago. The animal I had most wanted to see on my pilgrimage there - at a safe distance. A mamushi (Japanese pit viper). Responsible for around 2000 bites each year in Japan and about 10 deaths. The usual result of a bite is about a week in hospital. That's why I didn't go for a close-up
My sighting was ideal. The snake was sunning itself on a paved road and was visible from a long way off. I was very aware of it and it had plenty of warning that I was there too. So neither of us was panicking and there was no reason either of us should get hurt. Stepping on one unawares would be another matter altogether.
