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 region 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, and Altai. However, due to the active plowing of the land, the stock of this reptile species has noticeably decreased, and in European countries the animal is protected by 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 non-toxic snake. The size of the reptile is from 55 to 63 centimeters, and the females are larger than males. This species is distinguished from other snakes by a certain elevation of the edges of the muzzle, which gives it the appearance of “baredness”. On the sides, the scales are painted in gray-brown tones, and the back is lighter with a distinct zigzag strip running along the ridge. A dark pattern is also visible on the forehead. Abdomen is light, with gray spots.
From winter hibernation, these reptiles wake up depending on climatic conditions, when the temperature is set at not lower than seven degrees Celsius. And in April or May they have a mating season. In spring and autumn, the snake crawls out of the shelter only in 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, mostly fat locusts. Therefore, the animal is considered useful for agriculture. The reptile also does not disdain lizards. In turn, the reptile serves as food for hawks, owls, and other birds of prey. It 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. Young animals quite often, adults less often, change skin. To do this, the snakes will climb into the crevice and begin to rub against the stones until cracks appear on the lips. After which the individual crawls out of the skin, as if from an old stocking.
The steppe animals of Russia, including snakes, for the most part are not dangerous. But vipers in this sense are an exception. However, rumors of the dangers of their poison are somewhat exaggerated. Meeting with this snake can be fatal for a small animal, such as a dog, but not for humans. Her bite is rather painful. In place of it, swelling is rapidly developing, which extends far beyond the boundaries of the affected foot. Hemorrhagic blisters and even necrotic areas may form. The bite has dizziness, palpitations, drowsiness, nausea, and a decrease in overall body temperature.
If you or your companion was bitten by a steppe viper, you must provide first aid to the victim as soon as possible. To do this, wrap a cloth twisted into a tourniquet, the area of the body above the bite. Basically, snakes sting in the foot (sometimes in the arm, 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 the blood affected by the poison through the wounds left by the teeth of the viper. After this, the patient should still be taken to the doctor to avoid complications and allergic reactions. The Anti-Gyurz serum has proven itself well.