Vipers emerge in Romania's mountains; advice issued for hikers

Tourists venturing into Romania's mountainous terrains are being cautioned about the emergence of vipers as the weather warms. These venomous snakes are becoming active and may be encountered on rocky trails or at forest edges, prompting experts to issue guidance on safety and first aid.

Several viper species inhabit Romania, including the horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), predominantly found in southwestern Romania in counties like Mehedinți, Caraș-Severin, and Gorj. This species favors warm, rocky environments. The common viper (Vipera berus) is more widespread across the Carpathian Mountains, inhabiting forests, clearings, alpine meadows, and even areas above 2,000 meters. Its characteristic zigzag pattern is often visible, though coloration can vary significantly, with some specimens appearing very dark or black. A rarer species, the steppe viper (Vipera renardi), is found in isolated populations in Dobrogea, Moldova, and parts of Transylvania, primarily in grasslands.

Vipers are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature relies on the external environment. They are often seen basking in the sun on rocks and paths, particularly in the morning or cooler parts of the day. Generally, vipers are not aggressive towards humans and prefer to retreat. Bites typically occur when a snake is accidentally stepped on, touched, or cornered, or when people reach into unseen spaces like under rocks or dense vegetation.

Experts strongly advise against attempting to catch, photograph closely, or kill snakes. Many incidents arise from human imprudence, such as approaching too closely or trying to handle the reptiles. The symptoms of a viper bite can vary depending on the amount of venom injected, the bite location, and the victim's health, potentially causing severe local and systemic effects. In rare cases, a bite can be fatal.