Smooth Snake

smukulja · Coronella austriaca

reptilecommon

A small, secretive, non-venomous snake often mistaken for an adder. It hunts lizards in dry, stony, sunny places.

Identification & best seen

Up to ~70 cm; grey-brown with faint paired spots and a dark eye-stripe; smooth, glossy scales.

Habitat & where to see

Rocky slopes, heath, dry-stone walls and clearings.

Fun fact

It kills prey by constriction rather than venom, despite its viper-like markings.