steppe viper has a wide habitat.It is common in all European countries, where there is forest, in Ukraine can be found in the Black Sea and the Crimea and in Russia - in the European part of steppe and forest steppe, in the foothills of the North Caucasus.It inhabits this snake and Asia: Kazakhstan, Southern Siberia, the Altai.However, due to the active plowing population of this species of reptiles was considerably reduced, and in European countries, the animal is protected under the Berne Convention.In Ukraine and Russia reptile listed in the national Red Data Book.
steppe viper - a fairly typical animal, and it is difficult to confuse with a non-poisonous snake or a skid.Dimensions reptiles - from 55 to 63 centimeters, the females are larger than males.This species is distinguished from other snakes some elation edge of the muzzle, which gives it a kind of "bared".On each side of the scales are colored gray-brown tones and back - lighter with a distinct zigzag stripe that runs along the ridge.On his forehead is seen as a dark figure.The abdomen is light, with gray spots.
from hibernation, these reptiles are awake, depending on climatic conditions, when the temperature is set below seven degrees Celsius.And in April or May they mating season.In spring and autumn the serpent comes out of hiding only in the warmest time of the day, and in summer it can be seen in the morning and evening hours.How snakes feed on this kind?Small rodents, chicks, but the main diet is insects, mainly grasshoppers fat.Therefore, the animal and find it useful for agriculture.Do not hesitate reptiles and lizards.In turn, the reptile is food for hawks, owls and other birds of prey.It also consumes a larger malpolon monspessulanus.
steppe viper - viviparous.In August, the female brings in one litter of three to ten zmeenyshey.Newborns weigh about 4 grams with a body length of 11-13 centimeters.Puberty little gadyuchki reach only in the third year of life, when they grow up to 27-30 centimeters.Youngsters often, adults rarely changes its skin.For this snake climbs into the crevice and begin to rub against stones until cracks appear on the lips.Then individual crawls out of the skin, like from an old stocking.
Russian steppe animals, including snakes, most of them are not dangerous.But in this sense viper - exception.However, rumors about the dangers of poison somewhat exaggerated.Meeting with this snake can be deadly to small animals, such as dogs, but not for humans.Bite it rather painful.In place of his rapidly developing swelling, which extends far beyond the affected foot.Can form a hemorrhagic blisters and even necrotic areas.Have been bitten by dizziness, increased heart rate, drowsiness, nausea, decreased total body temperature.
If you or your mate steppe viper bite, you must immediately provide first aid to the victim.To do this, wrap a cloth twisted into a bundle over the bite area of the body.Basically snake sting in the foot (sometimes in the arm when a person accidentally, looking for berries or mushrooms, stumbles upon an animal).Wiring must be imposed rigidly, to prevent the outflow of contaminated blood.Then squeeze the venom affected the blood through the wounds left by the teeth viper.Thereafter, the patient should still be delivered to the doctor - for avoidance of allergic reactions and complications.Well-proven serum "anti-viper."
