Large Whipsnake

Long thin and fast - this species is not venomous but delivers a painful bite nonetheless and an equally painful tail-whipping when provoked. This pair was found inside the city limits, mating next to our home in some tall dry grass. They were approximately 2 - 2.3m in length and fairly comfortable (!) with human (and feline) presence. The species is not endemic to Cyprus but was introduced to battle rat population as well as keep a check on poisonous snake species (coluber jugularis will attack and prey on poisonous snakes!). Not to be confused with coluber cypriensis - a smaller, much calmer endemic species.