The reptile activity season has begun in Ukraine. Most of them do not pose a threat to humans; however, venomous snakes also live in the country and should be avoided. This was reported by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, according to UNN.
Details
"The reptile activity season has begun. Most of them do not pose a threat to human health; however, there are some that should be avoided," the post reads.
Which venomous snakes live in Ukraine
Common European viper (Vipera berus) – the most widespread, found in Polissya, the Carpathians, and occasionally in the forest-steppe zone. It has a characteristic zigzag stripe on its back.
Steppe viper (Vipera renardi) — rare, listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. It lives mainly in the steppe zone, particularly in southern nature reserves. It also has a zigzag stripe.
Nikolsky's viper (Vipera nikolskii) — a dark, almost black snake, also listed in the Red Data Book. It lives in the forest-steppe of northeastern Ukraine.
How snakes behave and when there is danger
It is worth remembering that in most cases, these snakes do not attack but try to flee as soon as they notice a person – they only show aggression in case of danger.
"The venom of these snakes usually does not pose a threat to life, but medical assistance should be sought immediately if the bite victim is a child or a person prone to allergies," the Ministry of Health reports.
Recall
Between April and June 2025, 20 cases of snake bites were recorded in Ukraine, which is 29 cases fewer than last year. The highest number of victims was in the Lviv region, including five children.