Believe it or not, you can find 4 types of venomous snakes in Yemen.

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 Yemen:

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#1. Borkin’s Carpet Viper

• Echis borkini

Also known as the Yemen Carpet Viper.

Look at pictures of this venomous snake here!

• These small, scaly snakes are 30-90 cm (12-35 in) long on average.
• Body colors include shades of brown, gray, and orange. In some specimens, there are dark-edged blotches along the back.
• Their pear-shaped heads are easily distinguishable from their necks. They also have slender tails.
• The snout appears short and rounded, while the eyes are relatively large.

Borkin’s Carpet Vipers are found exclusively in the dry desert regions of Saudi Arabia and Yemen in the Middle East. These nocturnal hunters come out when the sun sets, tracking down food in the form of mammals, birds, lizards, scorpions, centipedes, and other snakes.

Borkin’s Carpet Viper Range Map

Don’t let the unassuming size of the Borkin’s Carpet Viper fool you! This small but terrible snake is irritable, aggressive, and is packed with highly lethal venom. When threatened, a Borkin’s Carpet Viper will move its body into C-shaped folds, rubbing its scales together to make a hissing sound. When it does, respect its warning and back away slowly.

Victims who get bitten by the Borkin’s Carpet Viper might get lulled into a false sense of security. This snake’s venom takes time to work its way into the body. However, a few days after the bite, blood clotting and hemorrhage may occur. It’s crucial to seek immediate treatment if you’ve been bitten!

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#2. Khosatzki’s Saw-scaled Viper

• Echis khosatzkii

Also known as Dhofar Carpet Viper.

• Adults are 40-46 cm (16-18 in) long on average.
• This species is usually light brown or tan, with dark crossbands or spots on the back. The belly is plain and lighter in color than the rest of its body.
• Some specimens have narrow heads, while some have broad heads, depending on their natural range.

Khosatzki’s Saw-scaled Vipers are a rare species you can only find in Oman and Yemen in the Middle East. Amidst the dry, rocky deserts, these snakes thrive by staying close to water sources. Occasionally, they even find their way into people’s gardens!

Come feeding time, Khosatzki’s Saw-scaled Vipers prey on the land’s fattest, juiciest lizards. Unlike other snakes that hide under rocks or burrows, these vipers are not afraid to hang out above ground among bushes. They’re highly venomous, fierce, and can hold their own!

When it feels threatened, the Khosatzki’s Saw-scaled Viper rubs its specialized scales together, producing the raspy “sawing” sound that it’s named for. If you get bitten, watch out for initial symptoms such as blistering, headache, and vomiting. If left untreated, these could lead to seizures, necrosis, and hemorrhage. Hurry to the nearest hospital if you suspect a bite from this snake!

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#3. Arabian Cobra

• Naja arabica

• Adults grow up to 240 cm (94 in) long.
• Their heads are broad and flattened with round snouts.
• The coloring is brown, copper, or dark gold, with pale throats and bellies.

It’s rare to see this venomous snake in Yemen.

That’s because Arabian Cobras live in remote areas in the hottest deserts of the world! They stay close to the sparse vegetation and bodies of water in oases. During the day, they hunt frogs, small mammals, birds, and other snakes.

Guard your eyes! The Arabian Cobra can spray venom from 8 feet (2.4 m) away. As with other cobras, it will raise its forebody off the ground and spread its neck hood when confronting threats. This snake can be wildly unpredictable, so stay away.

Arabian Cobra venom is neurotoxic, attacking the nervous system and causing paralysis. Within hours, the lungs can shut down, resulting in death. There might not be pain or swelling in the bite area, but don’t let that fool you. Seek medical attention immediately!

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#4. Painted Saw-scaled Viper

• Echis coloratus

Also known as Arabian Saw-scaled Viper, Mid-East Saw-scaled Viper, Burton’s Carpet Viper, Palestine Saw-scaled Viper, and Painted Carpet Viper.

• Adults are 75-83 cm (30-33 in) long on average.
• These vibrant snakes vary in color according to their environment. In rocky terrains, some are yellowish-gray or brownish-gray. Where there’s red sandstone or granite, they are reddish brown or pink.

The venomous Painted Saw-scaled Viper loves to hang out in the rocky deserts and hillsides of Yemen. Though it prefers to prowl among rocks and bushes on the ground, it’s surprisingly adept at climbing trees as well! When the weather gets hotter, this viper digs and hides in deep burrows to keep cool.

Most active during the night, Painted Saw-scaled Vipers sit next to desert oases and wait for their prey. They have a taste for birds, lizards, mammals, and large invertebrates. They use their long, hollow fangs to subdue their prey quickly. When not in use, they can fold these against the roof of their mouths.

Although bites by the Painted Saw-scaled Viper are common, they’re rarely reported to have serious effects. Regardless, keep your wits about you and stay alert in this viper’s territory. Its venom can cause swelling, severe bleeding, anemia, and, in extreme instances, kidney failure. Rush over to a medical facility if you’ve been bitten!

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Check out these guides to other animals found in Yemen!

• 7 Types of Snakes That Live in Yemen! (ID Guide)

• 14 MOST Common Birds That Live in Yemen!

• 8 MOST Common SPIDERS Found in Yemen!

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

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