Are There Snakes in Germany?

Snakes can be found in almost every part of the world, but what about Germany? This question comes up mainly because Germany is mostly famous for its curry-flavored sausages and frothy-topped beers, its oompah-led Oktoberfest celebrations, and underground Berliner techno bars.

Yes, there are snakes in Germany. The country has a variety of snakes, which can be venomous or non-venomous.

In this article, we will learn about the different kinds of German snakes, from the venomous to the docile.

The Venomous Snakes in Germany

1. European Adder

Scientific name: Vipera berus

The European adder is the most common venomous snake that is widespread in Germany and throughout much of Europe.

They can be found in habitats like chalky downs, rocky hillsides, meadows, rough commons, edges of woods, sunny glades and clearings, bushy slopes and hedgerows, dumps, coastal dunes, stone quarries, and sometimes on the banks of streams and lakes.

The common European adder range stretches from the highlands of Scotland to the rolling Russian steppe, covering the entire breadth of Germany, except for a small piece of territory in the Rhineland around Mannheim and Frankfurt.

These snakes can grow to around 60 cm in length and have unique color patterns that feature diamond-shaped squares down the back with lighter hues on the sides for females and a more grayish tone for males.

A bite from the common European adder can cause heavy swelling, uncontrollable vomiting, nausea, sweating, and sudden blindness if left untreated. But luckily, adders are not aggressive snakes, so they only bite when they feel threatened or cornered.

The European adder is more active during the day and less active at night. This makes them easier to spot on low bushes and other places on land.

2. European Aspis Viper

Scientific name: Vipera aspis

Habitat: Asp vipers inhabit forest clearings, marshlands, heathlands, and pastures with hedgerows.

Feeding habits: They primarily feed on small mammals, lizards, birds, and frogs.

Another venomous snake that is found in Germany is the European Aspis Viper. Although these snakes are less common than the European adder, they can be found mainly in the far southwestern part of the country, around the mist-haloed peaks of Feldberg in the Black Forest.

These vipers can reach lengths of around 55 cm and come in various colors, such as brown, red, light grey, and even entirely black.

A bite from this venomous snake is painful and can cause swelling, internal hemorrhaging, and necrosis, but cases of death are rare.

The non-venomous snakes in Germany

3. Smooth Snake

Scientific name: Coronella austriaca

Smooth snakes are non-venomous snakes that can grow between 60 cm and 75 cm. Their slender bodies and smooth scales make it easier for them to camouflage well among plants.

The smooth snake primarily preys on other reptiles, such as small lizards, and is ovoviviparous. This means they incubate their eggs internally and give birth to live young.

They can come in a different color pattern that consists of colors like brown, grey, or reddish.

4. Grass Snake

Scientific name: Natrix natrix

Grass snakes are also known as the ringed snake or water snake. They are non-venomous snakes that are found near water.

These snakes are harmless and can reach up to 150 cm in length. Their diet consists of mainly amphibians, fish, and small mammals.

Grass snakes are common in Germany, and they can be identified by their dark green or brown color with a yellow or whitish collar behind the head.

5. Aesculapian Snake

Scientific name: Zamenis longissimus

The Aesculapian Snake is a non-venomous snake that is native to Europe. They thrive in wooded areas, where they feed on small mammals and birds.

These snakes can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length, making them one of the largest European snakes.

Aesculapian snakes are active by day, and come out late afternoon or early morning during some warmer months. They can be found on top of trees where they hunt.

6. Barred Grass Snake

Scientific name: Natrix helvetica

This Barred Grass Snake is another non-venomous snake that is widespread in Germany.

These snakes enjoy wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Since barred grass snakes are good swimmers, they can be found close to freshwater.

They have a black barring along the flanks and a dark gray-green upper body. It also shares other features, like the yellow and black collar around the neck and the grass snake.

Since barred grass snakes are semi-aquatic, their diet includes mainly fish and amphibians. They also feed on small land mammals.

Conclusion

So, are there snakes in Germany? Yes, Germany has a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes. They are the European Adder, European Aspis Viper, Smooth Snake, Grass Snake, Aesculapian Snake, and Barred Grass Snake.

FAQs About Snakes in Germany

Are snakes common in Germany?

Yes, snakes are common in Germany and other European countries. The most common species of snakes in this region are the Grass Snake, the Smooth Snake, and the European Adder.

Does Munich have snakes?

Munich has snakes. There are up to six species of snakes in Munich’s Hellabrunn Zoo.