Deadly African snake on the loose in northern Germany
German media are warning about a dyspholid snake prowling in the northern part of the country. The reptile, originating from Africa, has venom potent enough to kill even an adult human.
6:34 AM EDT, September 28, 2024
The uninvited guest in Germany was reported by the "Bild" newspaper, among others. Authorities in Niebüll have issued warnings to residents. This city is located in Schleswig-Holstein, the northernmost state of Germany.
Dangerous snake prowling in Germany
Katy Krause, deputy mayor of Braderup municipality, told "Bild" reporters that a woman in the Niebüll area "saw a green snake." Thanks to the photos she took, it was quickly identified. Dyspholid snakes are quite distinctive, not only for their intense coloration but also for their very large eyes.
Local residents have been warned, and authorities have ordered a search for the snake, but so far it has not been found. However, the snake has its first documented attack: it bit a dog, which died from the bite.
An alert has been posted on the municipality of Braderup's Facebook page, stating that a bite from this snake "can have severe health consequences for humans, up to and including death if medical help is not provided quickly enough." Police are asking residents to avoid undeveloped green areas, especially tall grass.
African snake in northern Europe
Dyspholid is native to sub-Saharan Africa, characteristic mainly of the fauna in Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia. Adult specimens can grow up to 6 feet in length. The bright green color is a distinguishing feature of males. The venom acts slowly (up to 48 hours) but reduces blood clotting, and untreated bites can lead to death due to internal hemorrhages, even in adults.
It is unclear how a venomous snake from Africa ended up so far north in Europe. German media suggest it most likely escaped from a local wild animal breeder's terrarium.
