A species of venomous snake that has appeared in Europe and settled there is called Aesculapian Snakes. They are among the largest snakes in Europe, reaching a length of 2 metres (6.6 feet), and are similar in size to the four-lined snake (Elaphe Quatuor Lineata) and the snake (Malpolon Monspessulanum). Aesculapian Snakes are a member of the (Colubrinae) family of the (Colubridae) family, as this type of snake has great importance and a historical role in Roman and Greek mythology. The name Aesculapian Snakes refers to the Greek god of healing and later the Roman Asclepius who discovered these snakes around his temples. The temple symbols were developed until these snakes appeared next to the four-lined snakes (Elaphe Quatuor Lineata) in an annual religious procession in central Italy, and Realizing it in the Catholic calendar of the temple.
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Characteristics and habits of Aesculapian Snakes
Aesculapian Snakes have many wonderful characteristics and habits that distinguish them from other snakes and other snakes, and their characteristics are as follows:
- Aesculapian Snakes have a dark and light and regular line along their body, and this line becomes darker with increasing tail and is relatively curled on a rocky surface.
- The total length of adult snakes is 110 cm: 160 cm by 43.3 inches: 63 inches including the tail.
- The length of these snakes can reach 200 cm by 79 inches.
- The standard size of these snakes is about 225 cm by 7.38 feet.
- The body mass of adult Aesculapian Snakes ranges from 350 grams: 890 grams by 0.77 pounds: 1.96 pounds.
- These snakes are known for being dark, slender, long and bronze in colour, with soft scales that add shine and lustre to them.
- Large Aesculapian Snakes are characterised by their strength and courage in successfully attacking their enemies.
- The male Aesculapian Snakes mate with the female until they lay 20-30 eggs, where the female snake mates at the age of 5 years, then hides the eggs in a warm tunnel until they hatch.
Aesculapian Snakes Habitat: How did they get to the UK and where do they live?
Aesculapian Snakes have their own habitat, which is completely different from other types of snakes, as they adapt to hot climates, and their living conditions are characterised by the following:
- These snakes inhabit single-storey ground-level residential houses, as well as gardens and lawns, due to the warmth and heat.
- But in winter, these snakes settle in crevices they have dug to hide from the bitter cold and rain for up to 5 months.
- These snakes appeared in the United Kingdom many years ago, perhaps thousands of years ago, and a large number of them were reserved in the European Park of Wales as a wild tourist attraction, but those snakes escaped and spread throughout Europe until now.
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Aesculapian Snakes’ diet
Aesculapian Snakes have a special diet that distinguishes them from other species, as these snakes live in warm, non-cold areas and are constantly searching for heat, and therefore they are often searching for food to warm their bodies. The nutritional style of Aesculapian Snakes is as follows:
- These snakes feed on insects, mice, frogs, sparrows, birds, lizards, and rats.
- They can also eat weasels, owls, small wild pigs, hedgehogs, birds of prey, and newborn animals.
- The danger that threatens Aesculapian Snakes is the loss of their young due to attempts to eat them by other snakes, or pets such as cats, dogs, chickens, American raccoons, Asian raccoon dogs, and rodents.
Environmental challenges for Aesculapian Snakes: Its impact on biodiversity in Britain
Aesculapian Snakes have faced many environmental challenges and difficulties in confronting wildlife in order to coexist and reproduce, as these snakes have a special type of environmental lifestyle, as they adapt to certain climatic conditions, which are as follows:
- Scientific research has indicated that Aesculapian Snakes search for heat in human residential homes, as they enter cavities and cracks under the walls of homes to hide from the cold.
- Male Aesculapian Snakes prefer to approach human residential homes, while females prefer to live in the warmth of trees and forests.
- Previous scientific studies have indicated that Aesculapian Snakes cannot eat large prey, but feed on small rodents and mice.
- Therefore, they are non-dangerous snakes to humans or pets.
- With the continued climate change and rising temperatures, Aesculapian Snakes may remain the most widespread in Britain for the time being.
The most important thing that causes panic in human souls is that Aesculapian Snakes are large and frightening in size, but they do not pose any threat to them. They are a terrifying nightmare for those who suffer from reptile phobia, as they continue to enter residential homes under the walls of homes.
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Aesculapian Snakes Interaction with Humans: Is it Dangerous? And How to Deal with It?
The most questionable thing now is whether Aesculapian Snakes are scary or dangerous to humans or not? To answer this question, we can mention the following:
- Recent studies and wild explorations have proven that Aesculapian Snakes are the largest species of snakes in Europe.
- It has also succeeded in establishing a stable colony in North Wales after entering and spreading in Europe.
- Aesculapian Snakes are not venomous snakes, and therefore are not dangerous to humans.
- Aesculapian Snakes feed on mice and small rodents.
- Aesculapian Snakes are considered beneficial, harmless snakes.
Future Prospects For its presence in the United Kingdom
Some experts and specialists in the science of reptile analysis and anatomy have indicated that Aesculapian Snakes have been present in the United Kingdom for thousands of years, so some scientific information has been issued about them, which is as follows:
- These snakes have been around since ancient times, but they disappeared during the Ice Age, and after the weather and climate changed, Aesculapian Snakes returned again to the northern regions of the European continent because they became able to coexist and adapt.
- The original habitat of Aesculapian Snakes extends from southern Europe to the Caucasus.
- In the seventies of the last century, a large number of Aesculapian Snakes escaped from the huge Welsh mountain park, and these snakes settled in the surrounding forests to reproduce and increase their numbers naturally.
In conclusion, Aesculapian Snakes are a great example of adaptability and agility in the reptile world. With their non-venomous nature and calm demeanor, they play an important role in the ecological balance by controlling rodent populations. Whether you are a reptile lover or interested in wildlife, these snakes deserve attention and appreciation for their unique role in the ecosystem.
