Was wondering if anyone could better identify this snake? It was spotted by a dog in Kaakkois-Suomi (southeast Finland) but managed to avoid the dog getting to it.
Only managed to get these three photos before it slithered away, so sorry about the quality… It was making a faint hissing sound when I took these photos.
I believe it’s an adder (kyykäärme), but I’ve never seen one before so I’m not certain.
Thanks!
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1tdt2jf
Posted by tiit_helimut
12 Comments
Rantakäärme
Looks like a black adder (melanistinen kyy) but the only “sure” way to differentiate between that and a black grass snake is the shape of the head (an adder has a triangular head). If you’re unsure, just assume it’s dangerous and stay away.
50% chance since there are practically only two species of snake here. I think that’s a adder.
it’s got more of a grass snake (rantakäärme) aura to it, but i can’t see shit so who knows?
There’s only 2 options in our nature; Kyy- or rantakäärme. Unless someone let their pet python loose..
Would need a better pic of its head, but IF that’s the head showing in the second pic, then my money would be on adder.
I’d say rantakäärme (grass snake), there seems to be those yellow marks on his head
Rather a grass snake. Kyykäärme had a very distinctive zigzag.
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Does it have a cunning plan? If so, Black Adder.
Can’t see if it has the characteristic saw pattern to it’s scales that Kyykäärme have from the images, but it is fat and short enough to be one.
And they are known to sometimes be dark scaled enough that the pattern isn’t easily visible.
I’d assume it is indeed a Kyykäärme if I ran into it.
Edit; nevermind there was more snake hidden behind the grass. It’s starting to look less like a kyy with those proportions.
Still, a good rule of thumb is to not bother snakes.
Don’t know for sure, but don’t touchy touchy