- Time of past OR future Camino
- Francis SJPDP-SDC (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) , Norte 2018
Pilgrim Office 2018, Hospitalero Acebo 2019
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While walking down into Molinaseca June of 2016, (about 3 KM's before) saw this snake on the Camino just kind of minding it's own business. Took a picture and moved on my way. I have been trying to figure out what type of snake this is since I've been back and have whittled it down to maybe three different snakes. Can anyone perhaps settle this if you are familiar with "Snakes in Spain" (not to be confused with "Snakes in Planes) for me?
Thank you in advance!!!!! Ed.
While walking down into Molinaseca June of 2016, (about 3 KM's before) saw this snake on the Camino just kind of minding it's own business. Took a picture and moved on my way. I have been trying to figure out what type of snake this is since I've been back and have whittled it down to maybe three different snakes. Can anyone perhaps settle this if you are familiar with "Snakes in Spain" (not to be confused with "Snakes in Planes) for me?
Thank you in advance!!!!! EdView attachment 31031
I was using a zoom, but on reflection was much closer than was wise!@Magwood - Looks like a viper to me. Given the location and lack of snout probably the Seoane's viper that @Tincatinker posted about above. Unless you were using a long lens you must have been closer than I would get and I am a reptile fan
I enlarged the pic I have and yes it does have a somewhat pointed head....it is flat at the very end.Hard to tell from the photo, did it have a pointed nose?
If not, it may just be a common garden snake judging by the markings. Pointed nose usually means it a viper of some sort.
Once, years ago while bowhunting in south Texas I witnessed two very large diamondback rattlesnakes wrestling. They were for lack of better terms, standing up and wrestling each other. As they were both to be about 6' long and as big around as my forearm, it was quite impressive, and a bit scary. I couldn't help myself and approached to within a few feet of them. They paid me no mind. I watched for several minutes until they finished, and I backed off. Later I researched it and found out they were two males competing for a female, which no doubt was nearby, but I never saw her. I probably got too close for my own good to them, but it was just so darn amazing to watch.I actually pinned this same snake species on my walk a couple different times. They are vipers, just small & very aggressive when you trap them. They have no qualm to strike & move aggressively to the threat. If you have no or little experience with snakes do not mess with them & do not flip rocks over with your hands. They will simply move away from you unless you trap or harass them. I simply like critters sometimes I must admit my curiosity may get me hurt, yet having a healthy respect for them is the best advice.
Buen Camino
Keith
Ok, just asking... if I have to answer the call of nature and I'm not talking bird watching or something... do I have to worry about watering or squatting on this thing? Or will it give warning?!To the potential Camino walkers out there who are inexperienced walking in nature, or just plain have no interest in encountering a snake (I didn't want to say afraid of), do not be concerned. In all likelihood you will not see a snake while walking the Camino, and if by some chance you do, it ain't gonna mess with you. Just give it wide berth.
Be more concerned with getting blisters or sore knees.
The Spanish vipers are not like rattlesnakes - they do not broadcast an audible warning. They much prefer to disappear whenever anyone gets near. The sheer volume of foot traffic along the Camino Frances would deter most of them from hanging around. Where they are occasionally seen is most often in early morning in open ground as they bask in the sun to warm up enough to begin hunting. At that time they may be too sluggish to vanish in time. Their second line of defence is to keep very still and hope you don't notice them. Realistically the chances of you taking one by surprise in the undergrowth are minimal. A routine check for nettles, brambles and other inconveniences before whatever you are planning is always a good idea thoughOk, just asking... if I have to answer the call of nature and I'm not talking bird watching or something... do I have to worry about watering or squatting on this thing? Or will it give warning?!
As said already just use the same common sense approach you would use anywhere. Check the area you are going to take a squat at before you do your business. Not just for the ever so slight possibility of a snake being there, but also for ant mounds, wasp nests, etc or even a not so nice present another pilgrim might have left there before you.Ok, just asking... if I have to answer the call of nature and I'm not talking bird watching or something... do I have to worry about watering or squatting on this thing? Or will it give warning?!
You may be right but its close relative Coronella austriaca overlaps with it in the same geographical range and makes a pretty good fit for the original photo: shape of head, dark head markings, two parallel rows of dots along the back, long tapering body. I just came across a reference photo from Wikimedia which looks like a dead ringer for the original wriggly customer.Pretty sure it is this one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronella_girondica
SY
Yes there are snakes in Spain, this guys shared our room in Acebo.While walking down into Molinaseca June of 2016, (about 3 KM's before) saw this snake on the Camino just kind of minding it's own business. Took a picture and moved on my way. I have been trying to figure out what type of snake this is since I've been back and have whittled it down to maybe three different snakes. Can anyone perhaps settle this if you are familiar with "Snakes in Spain" (not to be confused with "Snakes in Planes) for me?
Thank you in advance!!!!! EdView attachment 31031
So what did you do with it?? Or to it??Yes there are snakes in Spain, this guys shared our room in Acebo.
It was kind of a funny story. My roomie got up to pee and his foot brushed across "something" on the floor, he turned on the light and saw the critter coiled there. I took the picture then, but kick myself for not taking a video of him using a trekking pole to "escort" the slimy thing out the door and eventually out of the building in his underwear. he immediately got back to sleep while I stayed wide awake listening for the "mate."So what did you do with it?? Or to it??
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