The steppe viper has a wide habitat. It is common in all European countries where there are forest-steppes, in Ukraine it can be found in the Black Sea and Crimea, and in Russia - in the European part of the steppes and forest-steppes, in the foothills of the North Caucasus. This snake also lives in Asia: in Kazakhstan, Southern Siberia, Altai. However, due to the active plowing of land, the number of this species of reptiles has noticeably decreased, and in European countries the animal is under the protection of the Berne Convention. In Ukraine and Russia, the reptile is listed in the national Red Books.
The steppe viper is a rather characteristic animal, and it is difficult to confuse it with a snake or a non-venomous snake. The size of the reptile is from 55 to 63 centimeters, with females being larger than males. This species is distinguished from other snakes by some elevation of the edges of the muzzle, which gives it the appearance of "grinning". On the sides, the scales are painted in gray-brown tones, and the back islighter with a distinct zigzag stripe running along the ridge. There is also a dark pattern on the forehead. The abdomen is light, with gray spots.
From hibernation, these reptiles wake up depending on climatic conditions, when the temperature is not lower than seven degrees Celsius. And in April or May they have mating season. In spring and autumn, the snake comes out of its hiding place only during the warmest time of the day, and in summer it can be seen in the morning and evening hours. What do snakes of this species eat? Small rodents, chicks, but the main diet is insects, mainly fat locusts. Therefore, the animal is considered useful for agriculture. The reptile and lizards do not disdain. In turn, the reptile serves as food for hawks, owls, and other birds of prey. She is also devoured by a larger lizard snake.
The steppe viper is viviparous. In August, the female brings in one litter from three to ten kites. Newborns weigh about 4 grams with a body length of 11-13 centimeters. Small vipers reach puberty only in the third year of life, when they grow up to 27-30 centimeters. Juveniles quite often, adults less often, change skin. To do this, the snakes climb into the crevice and begin to rub against the stones until cracks appear at the lips. After that, the individual crawls out of the skin, as if from an old stocking.
Steppe animals of Russia, including snakes, for the most part are not dangerous. But vipers in this sense are an exception. However, rumors about the dangers of their poison are somewhat exaggerated. Encounter with this snake can be deadlyfor a small animal, such as a dog, but not for humans. Its bite is quite painful. In its place, edema rapidly develops, which spreads far beyond the affected foot. Hemorrhagic blisters and even necrotic areas may form. The bitten person has dizziness, increased heart rate, drowsiness, nausea, and a decrease in overall body temperature.
If you or your companion is bitten by a steppe viper, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim as soon as possible. To do this, wrap the area of the body above the bite with a cloth twisted into a tourniquet. Basically, snakes sting in the foot (sometimes in the hand, when a person accidentally, in search of mushrooms or berries, stumbles upon an animal). The tourniquet must be applied firmly to prevent the outflow of infected blood. Then squeeze out the poisoned blood through the wounds left by the viper's teeth. After this, the patient should still be taken to the doctor - to avoid complications and allergic reactions. Serum "Anti-gyrza" has proven itself well.
