Believe it or not, you can find 3 types of venomous snakes in Armenia.

But please don’t live in fear, thinking that you are going to be bitten. In general, snakes try to avoid any contact or interaction with people. If you leave them alone, you shouldn’t have any trouble!

Did you know that snakes are venomous, NOT poisonous? If you eat something that makes you sick, then it’s considered “poisonous.” If an animal, like a snake, delivers its toxins when it bites, it’s considered “venomous.”

*If you encounter any of these species, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB! Venomous snakes are dangerous animals and should be left alone. The more you agitate them, the more likely you will get bitten. DO NOT RELY ON THIS ARTICLE to correctly identify a snake that has recently bitten you. If you have recently been bitten, GO DIRECTLY to the nearest hospital to get help and to determine if the snake is venomous.*

Venomous Snakes in Armenia:

#1. Alburzi Viper

• Vipera eriwanensis

Also known as the Armenian Steppe Viper.

• These small snakes are only 29 cm (11 in) long on average.
• Body colors range from gray to brown, with distinctive black zigzag bands from their necks to their tails.
• On each side of the body, there are dark patches arranged in a checkered pattern.

The Alburzi Viper makes its home in Armenia in rocky grasslands and subalpine dry steppes. This snake has a mild disposition, and you might find one lazily basking in the sun. It’s most active during the day, hunting for small lizards as its favored meal choice.

Although the Alburzi Viper is an obscure species that hasn’t been studied much, you best tread with caution if you come across one. Its venom is reported to cause pain, swelling, necrosis, respiratory distress, convulsions, and even death.

Seek medical care right away in the event of a bite!

#2. Armenian Viper

• Montivipera raddei

Also known as the Armenian Mountain Adder, Armenian Mountain Viper, Caucasus Viper, Radde’s Mountain Viper, and Rock Viper.

• Adults grow to an average length of 79-99 cm (31-39 in), with males being larger.
• There is a single large scale on each eye, looking like a slightly protruded eyebrow.
• The head is marked with deep black bands that extend from the back of each eye toward the neck. There are also teardrop markings on the top.

This venomous snake hangs out in Armenia in rocky landscapes, grasslands, and forests. Occasionally, it finds its way into agricultural lands, searching for its favorite meal—mice and locusts.

Armenian Viper Range Map

Armenian Vipers are nocturnal hunters. When the sun sets, they set out to ambush sleeping lizards, small mammals, rodents, and birds.

As soon as baby Armenian Vipers hatch, these juvenile snakes are already equipped with venom potent enough to seriously harm an adult human! Although fatalities are rare, the bite of an Armenian Viper can cause intense pain, swelling, internal bleeding, necrosis, and respiratory failure. Watch out!

#3. Levantine Viper

• Macrovipera lebetinus

Also known as the Lebetine Viper, Levant Viper, Lebanese Viper, Blunt-nosed Viper, West-Asian Blunt-nosed Viper, Mountain Viper, Coffin Snake.

• Adults are 150 cm (59 in) long on average.
• Usual body colorations include gray, beige, or tan. They’re spotted or striped brown and blue along their bodies.
• True to their common name, “Blunt-nosed Viper,” they have blunt snouts. They also have flat, broad, triangular heads.

Lurking among the mountain valleys, rocky hills, and shrublands of Armenia is the Levantine Viper, a true master of disguise. By day, this snake hides under the cool shade of trees or stakes out near water holes.

When the sun goes down, the Levantine Viper positions itself to catch lizards, birds, and rats (juvenile vipers, on the other hand, prefer to eat insects). Though sluggish and unmoving for the most part, this viper will strike with astonishing speed at any passing prey!

Unfortunately, this highly venomous species frequently finds its way into urban areas searching for mice. Bite incidents from Levantine Vipers are common, causing abdominal pain, blistering, internal bleeding, and death in the worst cases. If you get bitten, seek medical help at once!

Check out these guides to other animals found in Armenia!

• 6 Types of Snakes That Live in Armenia! (ID Guide)

• 23 MOST Common Birds That Live in Armenia!

• 12 MOST Common SPIDERS Found in Armenia!

Which of these venomous snakes have you seen before in Armenia?

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