Appendix E

DESCRIPTIONS OF VENOMOUS SNAKES

Palestinian viper

Palestinian viper
Vipera palaestinae

Description: Olive to rusty brown with a dark V-shaped mark on the head and a brown, zigzag band along the back.

Characteristics: The Palestinian viper is closely related to the Russell's viper of Asia. Like its cousin, it is extremely dangerous. It is active and aggressive at night but fairly placid during the day. When threatened or molested, it will tighten its coils, hiss loudly, and strike quickly.

Habitat: Arid regions, but may be found around barns and stables. It has been seen entering houses in search of rodents.

Length: Average 0.8 meter (2 3/4 feet), maximum 1.3 meters (4 feet).

Distribution: Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan (Figure E-37).

Figure E-37. Palestinian Viper Habitat