Four-lined Snake

veliki šarac · Elaphe quatuorlineata

reptileprotected

One of Europe's largest snakes, a heavy, slow, gentle constrictor of the southern karst. Entirely harmless to people.

Identification & best seen

Up to ~2 m; yellow-brown with four dark length-wise stripes in adults; thick-bodied.

Habitat & where to see

Warm scrub, stony hillsides and woodland in Herzegovina.

Fun fact

Despite its size it is famously placid, rarely attempting to bite even when handled.