Balkan Whip Snake

šilac · Hierophis gemonensis

reptilecommon

A fast, slender, day-active snake of the sun-baked karst, more likely to be a flash of movement across the path than a clear sighting. Harmless.

Identification & best seen

Up to ~1 m; greyish with fine speckling; very quick, with large eyes.

Habitat & where to see

Dry stony slopes and Mediterranean scrub in the south.

Fun fact

It hunts by sight and speed rather than venom, chasing down lizards in the heat of the day.