European Cat Snake

The European cat snake is a small, mostly nocturnal colubrid found across the Balkans, the eastern Mediterranean, and parts of the Middle East. It is the only mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake native to much of southeastern Europe, named for its distinctive cat-like vertical pupils.

Its venom and rear fangs are adapted for small prey, and it is generally considered harmless to humans, being reluctant to bite even when handled.

• Small to moderate size with a slender, somewhat flattened body
• Distinctive vertically elliptical (cat-like) pupils
• Base color grayish, tan, or pale brown with a series of dark brown or grayish blotches along the back, sometimes forming a broken pattern
• Head slightly distinct from neck
• Smooth scales and a relatively short tail

Found in rocky, dry habitats including stone walls, cliffs, ruins, scrubland, and Mediterranean maquis. Range covers the Balkan Peninsula, several Greek and Adriatic islands, Turkey, and parts of the Levant, generally at low to moderate elevations.

Strictly nocturnal and secretive, sheltering by day in rock crevices, walls, or under debris. Feeds primarily on lizards and geckos, immobilized with mild rear-fang venom. Generally docile and reluctant to bite even when handled. Oviparous, laying small clutches of a few eggs in summer.