Snakes!

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 11:56

Which ones are poisionous and which ones arent? Only reason I ask is we came across a large black snake down near Alagadi beach when we were there last week and we ought to find out which ones are dangerous.

murat


Joined: 28/02/2008
Posts: 59

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 12:17

black snakes are not poisionous.but be carefull the brown and the which has point on it

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1974

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 12:37

also be carfull of the ones that are tanned saying trust me i wont rip you off!!! lol and also the pink ones offering cheap english breakfasts!!!! lol

have a nice day

warm regards ukturk

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 12:50

I wondered when someone would make a funny comment!!!!! LOL!!!

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 12:51

The green ones are the most dangerous I think. The black ones are good because they eat them. I live in the middle of no where and already have seen two green ones. Watch out if you have pets, and carry an injection serum incase you or your dog get bit!

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1974

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 13:02

bhw

i could not let you down could i!!!!

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 13:07

Of course not UKturk - you are the best!!!! LOL!



Busy Bees - where do you get the serum from? Not that I am being paranoid of course!!!!!

Kitty1


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 683

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 13:19

Hi there,



You can get it in any pharmacy and it's not expensive. They will give you the serum, the syringe and tell you how to use it.



K x

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1974

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 13:24

hi kitty

are you still bored luvie!!!! lol liked your pics from that big jam nite!!!! it looked like you needed a few syringes or two

regards

ukturk

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 13:57

Hi BHW

The most dangerous is the Blunt Nosed Viper - It is a sandy colour and has a thick body. Another poisonous one is the coin snake which is a lot smaller. The largest and most common is the King Whip Snake which is black - these are not poisonous. The Viper is quite shy and tends to hide in rocky areas although it is found alll over Cyprus - but if you were to be bitten you do need to get to hospital quickly.

If you have ever been to Paphos, there is an interesting place near Coral Bay called Snake George. He is basically a snake sanctury and tells you about all of the snakes indigenous to Cyprus.

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 14:13

Thanks Perry. I think it must have been the King Whip (sounds a bit kinky - sorry my dirty mind again!) that we saw. There was no way I was getting out of the car after seeing that!



So if I go into a chemist do I just ask for venom serum? I guess this is probably worth keeping in your bag isnt it. Dont fancy being miles away from anywhere get bitten by a snake and die!

Bowman


Joined: 02/05/2007
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 14:32

Ask for snake bite serum.... The new chemist in Catalkoy near the Fez Turning sells it and he speaks English!

orangekazzie



Joined: 31/07/2007
Posts: 1091

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 14:46

HI BHW

Reminds me of years ago before the new road was even started. Hubby and I went up to the Karpass for a couple of days. On our return we'd stopped somewhere for a drink and he was in need of letting some of the drink out of his body. I was driving and was just about to pull into the side of the road (not far from where the new golf course it now) when I saw a black snake. Hubby wouldn't let me stop, said he would wait until we got to the hotel.

jokers2theright


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 14:54

I think if I came face to face with a snake, by the time I look it in the eye - studied its body colour - size - shape - it may be too late - and even if its harmless the shock of being close to it would kill me. They say if you panic your palpitations will circulate the venom around your body much faster.

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 15:49

Bowman I know he chemist - went in there to get some flu remedy last week! Karen I was the same - hubby wanted to go down onto the beach but we would have had to walk past where the snake was. I told him to b*gger off and drove off at speed!

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 19:04

Yes, you are all right, most chemists do it. The black snakes were brought to the Isand I am told to control the dangerous ones. They can whip you quite badly with their tail, especially if they are pregnant, but cannot kill you. I know some local cyps on my side of the Isand that keep them as pets and feed them milk to keep the rats and mice down, and of course, keep the dangerous ones away. Much rather a cat.

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
11/04/2008 20:01

God yes - much rather a cat than a snake! Oh yuk I am not going to sleep tonight now as I will end up dreaming of snakes!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!

tonyhickey



Joined: 13/06/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 14:57

Does anyone know how many people get bit each year?

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 15:12

i am absolutly petrified of snakes ,they make my flesh crawl , the only one i have ever seen is a huge python coiled on a road in africa we drove around but others did'nt it was in bits on the return journey , but surely they are not around heavily populated areas , are they ?? and what is a king whip ?

regards , simbas

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 721

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 15:21

A bit like a mister softy, but bigger.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 15:28

i should have seen that one coming

regards , simbas

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 15:41

Think the King Whip is what we saw - black and long - yuk!

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 15:43

is it as long as a king cobra ?

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 15:44

Not sure how long a King Cobra is!! I read somewhere that the King Whip can be as long as 2M! Long enough for me!!!!!!!! LOL!

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 16:30

oh jeez , your kidding me !

daily


Joined: 01/01/2008
Posts: 84

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 18:03

yep - saw one last year on a country road - nearly ran over it because I thought it was piping - awesome - I am very glad to hear they are not dangerous!

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 18:11

No joking - it was long!

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 18:19

well , no country roads for me from now on

Toon Army


Joined: 09/04/2007
Posts: 132

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 18:25

Hi Nicky

Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit but I dont like the sound of you seeing snakes.Hope you did not see any on TBV site.

We are going out 9th May so I will be on my guard.

Enjoyed your photo's on TBV site.We were also there in February and the site has improved since then.

I know there seems to be alot of worry regarding the site but I for one think it is really starting to look good and I cant wait to see what it will look like when the planting gets started.

Take care,

Kind regards Christine

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 18:44

Hi Christine

No snakes at TBV! It was down the road near Alagadi beach in a parking area (not the main parking area for Alagadi but up the road slightly). Not something I want to see again!!

Although we were all ill whilst we were there the site has really come on since we were there in October. Phase 2 is looking great - all apartments more-or-less finished. Am very happy with how things are progressing. Supermarket is excellent. In fact I would say if people want to go and relax for a week you wouldnt need a car because the supermarket does pretty much everything you need! Have a great time in May - we are back there end of May and cant wait!

Anyway sorry guys this has diverted from the subject of snakes!

Regards

Nicky

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 22:54

Sorry to break the news ladies but I have seen King Whip snakes 4 - 5 times on our visits to Cyprus - one was even in one of the bushes by our pool - they are quite common, and thankfully harmless (although they are huge - around 2 metres). Fortunately the blunt nosed viper is a lot rarer - and shyer !!

bazilbrush


Joined: 29/03/2008
Posts: 404

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 23:29

I picked my pool cleaning pole up (that's a tounge twister) last year from my garage and a brown snake came out of the other end, it went one way and I went the other.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
12/04/2008 23:53

welcome to the forum bazilbrush ,oh god , all these stories are really starting to unnervie me , but i remember being taken to a fish restaurant many years ago just before the karpaz , they had snakes in bottles of formalin , it was awful

regards , simbas

tonyhickey



Joined: 13/06/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 01:45

The snakes of Cyprus



The Worm Snake

Looks like an earthworm but can grow to about 30 centimetres and is either pink or beige in colour. Hunts only at night as the strong sun would kill it. Found in gardens and fields.



The Large Whip Snake

This is the most common of all snake species in Cyprus and can reach a length of two and a half metres. Initially olive green, with small brown lines. When mature, the colour changes to blue-black. Non-venomous, it kills via constriction. It has one peculiarity – it eats other snakes, including the blunt nosed viper. Can be found all over the island in fields, forests and even up trees where it raids birds nests.



The Cyprus Whip snake

This egg-laying snake only exists in Cyprus. It’s non-venomous and, like the large whip snake, it changes colour as it matures to become almost black. Found only in forests, mainly by streams



The Cyprus Grass Snake

The rarest and most endangered of our snakes, it emits a foul-smelling secretion that could clear a small village in a minute, along with any predators, if they feel threatened. Can swim very well and dines regularly on frogs and fish. It is non-venomous and is found only in the Paralimni lake area. Latest figures estimate the number remaining at 50.



The Coin Snake

This non-venomous snake is commonly confused with the blunt nosed viper. It will hiss loudly if approached and will strike quickly. It lives on a diet of lizards and mice and can be found along the coast as well as on the higher reaches of the mountains.



The Cat Snake

The slowest of the snakes, it hunts at night and if threatened will wriggle into a ring-like shape, raise itself up like a coil and hiss like a cat. It’s venomous and should be left well alone. Never reported to have bitten a human though. Found in coastal areas and in the Troodos mountains.



The Montpellier Snake

This venomous snake has coarse scales that produce a grinding noise when the snake slithers across the grass. It lives in open fields or forests, in both coastal and mountain areas and hunt and kill in a manner similar to a Cobra, raising its body up to one third of its length from the ground, then striking quickly, mainly against lizards. Again, never reported to have bitten a human.



The Blunt Nosed Viper

The most dangerous snake on the island, it is extremely venomous and is so perfectly camouflaged that it’s very hard to spot, so be extra careful when walking. Loves swimming pools when the dry season is at its height. Get to a hospital fast if bitten.

They are found all over Cyprus, mainly by streams.



so now you know tony

Chris


Joined: 26/03/2008
Posts: 454

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 02:05

CHRIST!!

The cat is not leaving the villa!



Chris

daily


Joined: 01/01/2008
Posts: 84

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 02:12

fantastic info tony - cheers



is there anyone out there who could post pictures of these snakes, especially the blunt nosed viper - could do with knowing what the bugger looks like!

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 02:34

That's it I'm staying in the UK!!!!

tonyhickey



Joined: 13/06/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 03:10

More chance of dying in a car crash in Cyprus than of a snake bite

tonyhickey



Joined: 13/06/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 03:19

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arne/68243807/

pictures

tony

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 05:48

i am not feeling any better about these snakes , theres so many different ones !

villa for sale !!!!

regards , simbas

Busy Bees Bogaz


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 283

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 07:19

Hi everyone,

There is some sort of machine available in America and I have heard now also Turkey that deters snakes from the garden. Google it. I will try and see how much they cost in Turkey, at the moment I can only see them for sale in America. If I can find a supplier in Turkey I will post it, or if anyone else knows???

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 08:31

hi maria , that would be brilliant , thanks .

regards , simbas

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 721

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 10:42

Try

http://www.theorchidwalk.com/reptiles.ptp





hissssssssssssssssssssssssss

bahri


Joined: 12/04/2008
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 10:53

Hello everyone I WILL SAY THIS DO NOT TOUCH NONE OF THEM.

THE BLACK SNAKES ARE GOOD TO HAVE AROUND YOU HOME DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY EAT ALL THE OTHERS.

AND ALSO THE CYPRUS BLACK KING SNAKES IS A RECOGNİZED SNAKE ,

AND IT IS IMPORTED FROM THIS ISLAND TO MANY PLACES IN THE WORLD.

THEY EVEN SELL THEM IN LONDON.

AS FOR TE REST THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS.

AND AS A VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:



WE HAVE THE WORLS 4 MOST LEATHAL SNAKES ON THE ISLAND.



THE PIT VIPER-WICH IS CALLED BATSALI.

THE PUF ADA- WICH IS CALLED SIGO.

THE RATTLESNAKE - IT IS CALLED CINGIRAKLI YILAN.

THE DEATH ADA - NOW WITH THIS ONE IT CAN NOT SEE YOU OR HERE YOU. MOST PEOPLE STEP ON THEM AND GET BITTEN. IT IS CALLED SAGIR YILAN.

THE REST ARE ALSO VENOMUS. BUT THE TOP 4 IS ABOVE.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY WE NEED THE BLACK KING SNAKES.

AND I NO ALL OF THIS BECAUSE I WAS A REPTILE COLLECTOR BACK IN LONDON.

I KNOW ITS A MAD HOBBY BUT I WAS YOUNG AT TH TIME.

BEST OF LUCK AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE KIDS WHILE PLAYING IN THE WILD OR OUT ON THE MOUNTINGS.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 11:00

oh for gods sake ,you are putting the fear of god into me , i never gave them a second thought , and had never come across them at all , i shall now be very wary , wear shoes and get some good strong draught excluder ,just in case they come under the door , do you think i should invest in a snakeman patrolling the property , or do you think thats going a bit too far ????

have a good sssssssssunday all , simbas

tonyhickey



Joined: 13/06/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 11:01

Me think he is taken the Mick, LOL

TONY

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 721

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 11:12

I got the link wrong

http:www.theorchidwalk.com/reptiles.php

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 721

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 11:14

try again

http://www.theorchidwalk.com/reptiles.php

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 11:17

i do hope so tony ,

lovelife


Joined: 07/07/2007
Posts: 231

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 13:26

Interesting, read the link provided by suntanman



Snakes do not bother me, I shall just have to take extra precautions particularly when out walking, although husband may have a heart attack if he encounters one (cannot stand them), now for me spiders are another matter!!!



LL

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
13/04/2008 16:53

Lets start another thread about spiders!!!

Kitty1


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 683

Message Posted:
14/04/2008 09:26

Hello ukTURK....Sorry I didn't see your message on Friday...internet yok over the weekend!!



Yes, still bored mate! But usually when I say that I mean with work. Hey ho...gotta pay the bills and buy snake serum for my baby dog somehow LOL! As for the photos, glad you enjoyed them...I don't think I got enough "serum" though, maybe one or two shots more would have been useful!



I notice that the thread is now looking dangerously like straying into spider territory. I hate them and I am convinced that they know I do which is why I get so many in my house.



When we were househunting we were taken to one empty house with a dead tarantula in it. Needless to say we didn't make an offer on that one.



K xxxxx

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
14/04/2008 10:07

Tarantula in TRNC?!!!!!! Oh no!

Kitty1


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 683

Message Posted:
14/04/2008 10:29

Yes...'fraid so! Fortunately I've not seen a live one x

northernlad2


Joined: 19/12/2007
Posts: 150

Message Posted:
14/04/2008 11:55

hi all

These threads have put a whole new look on what i am packing when i visit. Out with the swim suit and sun cream, now wellies , long trousers with elasticaticed bottoms, and snake bite serum. lol

Dont think i would be around long enough to take note of what kind of snake it is ,dont want to be friends with any friendly or foe lol.



Still if i have my wellies on can squash the spiders.



Hoping the snakes can not travel up stairs as in an apartment !!





Sarah ( northernlads better half)

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
14/04/2008 12:03

my son had a tarantula for years , his name was kenny the thing went on and on finally he died ' much to our relief , not that i wished him harm but we were terrified of it and could'nt find anybody to take him , needless to say my son never brought an unwanted pet home again .

regards , simbas

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
14/04/2008 12:06

Kenny the tarantula - LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

McSteviet



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1089

Message Posted:
16/04/2008 00:33

BHW,



Looks like you just found the snake!!!! if your photo is anything to go by.



MC

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
16/04/2008 13:17

I'm confused Mc!!!!

McSteviet



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1089

Message Posted:
16/04/2008 14:16

Your photo looks like you just sat on something??

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
16/04/2008 15:45

LOL!!!!! How veeeeeery rude!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!

jokers2theright


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
16/04/2008 16:59

Yep my neighbour found one tarantula making its way across her marble floor to the wee one! Another found one crawling up the house. Think its a rare occurrence.

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
16/04/2008 20:41

Oh my god! I cant handle snakes and tarantulas! That's it - no doors or windows open from now on! LOL!