Believe it or not, you can find 11 types of venomous snakes in Iran.

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 Iran:

#1. Saw-scaled Viper

Echis carinatus

Also known as Indian Saw-scaled Viper, Phoorsa, Little Indian Viper, or Sindh Saw-scaled Viper.

Adults average 38-80 cm (15-31 in) long.
They have flat, broad heads and very short snouts, with a cross-shaped marking on their heads and remarkably large eyes.
Their coloring is gray, olive, and red to match their ground habitat. A series of spots, stripes, and dark borders decorate the body.

The Saw-scaled Viper is one of the venomous snakes in Iran responsible for serious bite incidents. It is quite small, but make no mistake! One bite from this viper can cause internal bleeding and death within a few hours.

You’ll find Saw-scaled Vipers in shrublands and deserts. They like to rest inside burrows and fallen logs during the day. They feed on rodents, lizards, scorpions, and centipedes at night. When it rains, adults scramble up to higher trees, shrubs, and cacti.

Look out for strange S-shaped indents in the sand or listen for loud rasping noises. These are the tell-tale signs that there’s a Saw-scaled Viper nearby. They are highly aggressive and capable of lunging to deliver a bite.

#2. Central Asian Cobra

Naja oxiana

Also known as Caspian Cobra, Ladle Snake, Black Cobra, Brown Cobra, Russian Cobra, Oxus Cobra, Trans-Caspian Cobra, and Acellate Cobra.

Types of venomous snakes in Iran — Caspian cobra. (2023, August 30). In Wikipedia.

These heavy-bodied snakes reach 100-140 cm (39-55 in) long.
Their snouts are blunt and short with large nostrils.
They are shades of brown or yellow with dark bands across their throats.

The Central Asian Cobra is INCREDIBLY VENOMOUS. One bite is potent enough to kill 40 adult humans! Fortunately, it avoids humans and prefers to escape if approached.

Look for this venomous snake in Iran in rocky foothills, shrublands, and forests far from civilization. Central Asian Cobras are fantastic climbers and capable swimmers. They feed on rodents, amphibians, fish, and birds, then hide in tree hollows to rest.

Central Asian Cobras are terrifyingly aggressive if cornered, especially juveniles. First, they will spread their hoods and sway from side to side while hissing a warning. Then, as a last resort, they repeatedly strike with astonishing speed. Stay back!

#3. 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 Iran 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!

#4. 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 Iran 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

Montivipera raddei. (2023, June 30). In Wikipedia.

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!

#5. Latifi’s Viper

Montivipera latifii

Also known as Iranian Valley Viper, Lar Valley Viper, and Damavandi Viper.

Credit (left image): Omid Mozaffari, (right image): Mohammad Amin Ghaffari, via Wikimedia Commons

These vipers are small, only growing up to 70-78 cm (28-31 in) long.
Some specimens have a dorsal midline stripe, while others have a zigzag pattern or blotches on their backs.
They have thick bodies and short tails. The head is slightly elongated, triangular, and distinct from the neck.

The Latifi’s Viper is a truly rare wonder that lives in Iran. This venomous snake only occurs in the Lar Valley of the Alborz Mountains. What makes them even more special is that nowadays, you can only find this species within the Lar National Park, a highly protected sanctuary.

Latifi’s Viper Range Map

Montivipera latifii. (2023, October 23). In Wikipedia.

Unfortunately, the Latifi’s Viper is an endangered species urgently facing the threat of extinction. Many factors are to blame, including habitat loss due to excessive herd grazing and shrub burning. On top of that, these snakes are being collected too frequently for antivenom production.

In the daytime, Latifi’s Vipers prowl the land for grasshoppers, mice, and lizards. They may move sluggishly throughout the day, but don’t let that fool you. These venomous snakes can strike quickly! Their bites can result in extreme pain, vomiting, and respiratory distress. In the worst cases, necrosis or death may occur, so consult a doctor immediately if you get bitten!

#6. 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 Iran 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!

#7. Moila Snake

Malpolon moilensis

Also known as False Cobra, Hooded Malpolon, Talheh Snake.

Adults are 80-140 cm (31-55 in) on average, but longer specimens reach 190 cm (75 in) long.
Their eyes are big and round.
They are light tan or straw in color. There’s a checkered pattern of brown spots across their bodies. Their bellies are paler in contrast.

Look for this venomous snake in Iran near stony deserts and dry shrublands.

It feeds on lizards, gerbils, beetles, and small birds during the day. However, it may adapt to hotter weather by hunting at night.

Curiously, the Moila Snake is sought after in the exotic pet trade despite being venomous. However, think twice before you decide to keep this snake as a pet. Some individuals are calm, while others are short-tempered, and Moila Snakes are notoriously volatile. Therefore, only experienced keepers can safely handle them.

If threatened, this species will flatten and spread its neck into a hood as a means of intimidation. This behavior is how it earned its other common name, the “False Cobra.” The venom isn’t strong enough to kill a human, but it can cause excruciating pain and swelling.

#8. Persian Horned Viper

Pseudocerastes persicus

Also known as the Persian Horned Desert Viper, False Horned Viper, and Eye-horned Viper.

Identifying Characteristics:

Adults can range between 45-116 cm (18-46 in) in length. They have stout bodies and short, slender tails.
There are scaly horn-like protrusions above their eyes, but not as prominent as their horned cousins. Hence, the common name “False Horned Viper”.
They have broad, flat heads distinct from their necks and short, rounded snouts.

Sandy, limestone deserts, and rocky hills are home to Persian Horned Vipers in Iran. They’re shy creatures who prefer to stay far away from human habitations. You’ll find them hiding underneath boulders, inside rodent burrows, and amidst tall grasses.

Persian Horned Vipers have quite the appetite. Their favorite meals include lizards, mice, birds, small mammals, and arthropods. Plus, they’re not one to waste dead food if they come across one! These vipers are generally sluggish, but they can move sideways, straight forward, or in S-shaped curves to suit the terrain.

Although Persian Horned Vipers prefer to escape when confronted, they won’t hesitate to bite if they feel cornered. First, they will loudly hiss at you to announce a warning before coiling into a striking position. Their venom is still poorly studied, but it’s reported to cause intense pain, swelling, and internal bleeding. Thankfully, antivenom is available for this species.

#9. Razi’s Viper

Macrovipera razii

Also known as Iranian Giant Viper.

You can see pictures of this venomous snake HERE!

These robust vipers are about 150 cm (59 in) long on average.
Some specimens have shiny black backs with dark bellies that are faintly spotted.
In other regions, specimens have brownish-gray bodies with a crossbanded pattern on the back. Their bellies are pale colored with small black dots.
They have broad, triangular heads that are distinct from their necks. Their blunt, rounded snouts are covered with heavily ridged scales.

This highly elusive venomous snake in Iran is a resident of dry, rocky mountains.

Razi’s Vipers spend their long, cold winters hiding in deep cavities on top of rocky canyons. When spring comes, they move downhill to hunt for food near springs, wetlands, and lush greenery.

When it’s time to dine, the Razi’s Viper has quite the appetite. It preys on rodents, birds, small mammals, lizards, and even fellow snakes.

If a Razi’s Viper feels threatened, it will hiss loudly and coil its body into an S-shaped stance. When this happens, respect the snake’s warning and back away slowly. This snake is ill-tempered, and its bite can be extremely painful.

Scientists have yet to study the full effects of this rare species’ venom, but it’s best to keep your distance from this deadly viper!

#10. Spider-tailed Horned Viper

Pseudocerastes urarachnoides

Also known as Spiny-tailed Horned Viper, Iranian Spider Viper, Iranian Spider-tailed Viper, False Horned Viper.

Adults are 55-86 cm (22-34 in) long on average.
Their bodies are covered with heavily ridged scales and are mostly colored brown, gray, tan, or cream.
Also nicknamed “False Horned Viper,” this species has minor horn-like scales on top of their eyes.
The surest way to identify this snake is to look for its orange bulb-like tail, surrounded by long droopy spikes (unmistakably looking like a spider in action)!

Iran is teeming with unique and beautiful creatures, and among its most spectacular inhabitants is the Spider-tailed Horned Viper. As its name promises, this viper employs a hunting technique to attract prey like no other: a tail disguised as a moving spider!

With its body full of scales, the Spider-tailed Horned Viper sits perfectly camouflaged among cracks and holes in the rocks. Then, it repeatedly moves the tip of its treacherous tail into a number 8 figure, catching the attention of passing birds and snakes.

rbrausse, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sure enough, these predators get close enough to strike at what they think is a vulnerable spider. Finally, the true hunter strikes faster than the victims can realize that they’re actually the prey!

Unfortunately, the populations of this magnificent creature are dwindling in the wild. The Spider-tailed Horned Viper’s natural range is very limited, to begin with, and it’s highly coveted and poached by snake collectors.

The venom of this species is both cytotoxic and neurotoxic, which means it targets the cells and the nervous system of its victims. Thankfully, there has never been a recorded case of a human being bitten by the Spider-tailed Horned Viper in the wild.

#11. Halys Pit Viper

Gloydius halys

Also known as the Siberian Pit Viper, Halys Viper, Pallas’s Pit Viper, Asiatic Pit Viper, Asiatic Moccasin, and Mongolian Pit Viper.

The Halys pit viper can grow to a maximum length of 59 cm (23 in).
Their coloring is gray, red, pale brown, or yellow, with large dark spots, crossbars, and a white belly speckled with gray or brown.

The Halys Pit Viper is a venomous snake found in Iran.

Its habitat includes montane slopes and plains or rocky high mountain plateaus. It is a terrestrial snake, mostly found on the ground. Look for this species during the day, which is its preferred time to hunt. Its diet includes lizards, rodents, snakes, birds, and frogs.

Keep a respectful distance if you see the Halys Pit Viper! This is an incredibly dangerous snake. Its venom contains neurotoxins, which affect the brain and nerves, and necrotoxins, which cause bleeding and infection.

Bite symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of venom exposure. Victims have reported excruciating pain, severe swelling, bruising, blistering, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, respiratory distress, dizziness, collapse, or convulsions. The best way to avoid being bitten is to be cautious in this snake’s range and back away slowly if you discover one.

11 Venomous Snakes found in Iran (2025)