Hi!!
Just been reading on the Turkey forum about " creepy crawlies " whilst on holiday, one of the contributers mentions the presence of both snakes and scorpions have been sighted in Pernera, is this true? our apartments are near to the beach, are we likely to encounter such beasties? As I am visually impaired this doesn't exactly give me sleepless nights but a mild concern. Some re-assurance would be great! LOL!
Alistair
The only thing we've ever seen alot of over there are lots of lizards and cats (domestic variety before someone starts imagining lions and tigers) so I shouldn't worry.
I have only ever seen two snakes - a black whip snake on the rocks near Konnos beach and another that looked a bit like an adder. That is in umpteen visits to the island. Never seen a scorpion, or, indeed, a tarantula 
However, snakes are more than likely to get out of the way of people, so will hide at the first sign of you. Don't worry too much
Ady
However, snakes are more than likely to get out of the way of people, so will hide at the first sign of you. Don't worry too much
Ady
there are seven types of snake on cyprus a few specis of scorpion and the most dangerous spider is the european brown back a close relative of the black widdow and australian red back. information can be found by surfing the net
Hi Alistair,
There are snakes, scorpions & various other life-forms in Cyprus that you'd not expect to find in the UK. My wife found a large chameleon in the garden last week and we have numerous lizards scurrying around.
Scorpions normally stay out of the heat during the day in nooks & crannies. There are two types of poisonous snake, I don't believe either has caused the death of anyone in recent years.
Regards,
There are snakes, scorpions & various other life-forms in Cyprus that you'd not expect to find in the UK. My wife found a large chameleon in the garden last week and we have numerous lizards scurrying around.
Scorpions normally stay out of the heat during the day in nooks & crannies. There are two types of poisonous snake, I don't believe either has caused the death of anyone in recent years.
Regards,
......... we have spotted many Lizards on our trips to Cyprus, but never any snakes....... cant say I would like to spot any snakes either
Cookie I can assure you there are many snakes in Cyprus, but if you are in a built up area or in a tourist area you probably will not know they are there, this week we had a six foot whip snake in the field opposite us...even our cat took a large detour around it..and we also have some very big banana spiders here, some as big as your hand...
Nigel did not a young Cypriot boy die last year when he was bitten on his thumb? by a Viper..
see this link...after tea.. http://cyprusliving.netfirms.com/phpbb/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3171
Youll find one or two snakes also around the estate agents offices..they bite bad! just a Joke if there are any out there..
Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment
Reptiles are a very important link in the chain of life and evolution. For the last 200 million years they actively participate in the development of the various ecosystems, for they are found all over the planet except the two Polar Regions and altitudes over 6.000m. They constitute a very important prey for many mammals, birds and invertebrates, thus contributing to the dynamic balance in their respective ecosystems.
Despite the fact that reptiles have been present all over our planet for so many million years, it is only during the last few decades that their numbers have shown a distinct decline in many of their populations. In addition, many species are threatened, or even at the brink of extinction. The most important reasons behind this decline are man's activities, especially through the destruction of habitats. Through their continuous quest for land to be used for habitation, agriculture, industry or other uses humans have caused widespread habitat destruction, with negative impact on all species that live in them. Simultaneously, the uncontrolled use of pesticides affects various reptiles both directly and indirectly (i.e. through their food), with detrimental results.
Since Cyprus is an island, it would be expected that only a few species of reptiles would be present. But this is not the case, for the environment of Cyprus boasts 22 different reptile species, some of which have evolved into endemic species and subspecies. The presence of many snakes and other reptiles in Cyprus was known from ancient times. The story of St. Helen, who brought a shipload of cats to the island in an attempt to control the number of poisonous snakes, which proliferated after a long period of serious drought, is well known.
Burnt snake bones were found among the bones of birds and pigmy hippos that have been recently excavated at the Asprokremmos area of Akrotiri Peninsula. This fact suggests that snakes were a food source for humans that lived on Cyprus around 8.500 B.C.
Another indication that snakes have been widespread on Cyprus comes from the Italian priest Giovanni Mariti, who lived on the island from 1760 to 1767. In his extensive work "Viaggi per l' isola di Cipro", Mariti mentions the following: "There is a black snake, usually five to six feet long. It is not poisonous and you can hold it in your hands. Occasionally people skin the snake and cook the meat, which is considered to be a delicacy".
From the 22 known reptile species of Cyprus, 11 are lizards, three are turtles, and eight are snakes. These eight snake species have colonized almost every corner of the island. The Blind Wormsnake (Typhlops vermicularis) lives underground, while the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) lives in and around reservoirs, stream pools and other wetlands. The remaining six species live all over the island, from the coast to the mountains. One species, the Cyprus Whip snake (Coluber cypriensis), is endemic and extremely rare, thus it is highly endangered, and should be effectively protected.
Three snake species are poisonous: The Cyprus Catsnake (Telescopus fallax cyprianus), the Montpellier Snake (Malponon monspessulanus inisgnitus), and the Blunt--nosed Viper (Vipera lebetina lebetina). The venom of the last species is highly dangerous for humans, and bites from this viper can often be lethal. The other two species have a rather weak venom that usually causes little trouble to humans.
Snakes and humans
In the food pyramid, snakes are considered to be third class consumers, that is they simultaneously are prey of higher consumers like mammals, birds, and humans. The role of snakes in the environment is extremely important, for they are a major means of control of destructive rodents. This is the very reason why many farmers from the Morphou area used to buy (before 1974) from villagers of the Mesaoria plain Large European Whipsnakes (known in Cyprus as "Black Snakes", Coluber jugularis), which were then set free in their fields and farms to control the population of mice and rats. This is the reason why this species is also known as "Farmer's Snake". In general, the snakes of Cyprus are rather calm creatures that attack humans only if and when provoked, and thus feel threatened. More information on each and every snake species of Cyprus is given herebelow.
Worm Snake
(Typhlops vermicularis )
Very slender and cylindrical and slightly thicker towards the tail. Has a rather flattened head with rounded snout not distinct from the body. Eyes are on the top of the head and appear as two tiny black spots. The tail is rounded and very short with a distinct spine at the tip. Usually has a brownish, pinkish or purple colour. Usually smaller than 35 cm.
It is mainly a subterranean species and can be found in fairly dry, open habitats without dense covering of high vegetation. Grassy fields and slopes with scattered stones are often favoured. In spring it can often be found under half sunken stones, but in summer retreats deeper into the ground. Occupies narrow burrows down which it retreats very quickly when disturbed. Feeds mainly on small invertebrates, especially ants and their larvae.
Montpellier Snake
(Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus)
A large fomidable, often uniform snake with rather stiff, slender body and narrow characteristically shaped head. The combination of large eyes and strong "browse gives this snake a very penetrating expression. Pattern very variable; ground colour grey, reddish-brown, olive, greenish or blackish. Many adults are more or less uniform, but may have scattered light or dark spots, or both. It can grow up to 200 cm, including tail.
It is a vivid terrestrial snake, which usually can be found in warm, dry habitats, nearly always with some plant cover in which it often hides. When threatened hisses loudly and for long periods; may also flatten body and spread neck. Provoked animals often try to bite. It feeds on lizards, other snakes, small mammals and occasionally on birds.
Prey animals are killed by action of venom. Fangs are at the back of the upper jaw and because of this they are only liable to be used effectively on human beings if the snake is actually picked up. A severe bite from a free snake is unlikely. In man, prolonged bites to the hand produce numbing and stiffness in the arm, as well as swelling and even fever. This usually passes in a few hours.
Large Whip Snake
(Coluber jugularis)
One of the longest snakes, reaching sometimes up to 300 cm., with a fairly well defined but smallish head, smooth scales, fairly prominent eyes and round pupils. It has a yellow-brown, olive-brown or reddish colour with a pattern of narrow stripes that extend all over the body.
This is a diurnal, very swift and largely terrestrial species living in dry, open habitats, usually with some vegetation. Often not very inclined to retreat and bites readily when handled.
Adults eat mainly small mammals. Youngsters take a high proportion of lizards and grasshoppers.
Grass Snake
(Natrix natrix)
A rather large snake, usually up to 120 cm, often less but occasionally up to 200 cm. Females grow larger than males. It has a very variable colour. The body is usually olive-grey, greenish, olive-brown or even steel-grey with various dark blotches and sometimes light stripes.
Natrix natrix is a largely diurnal species and usually occurs near water. Swims well and may hunt in water. When disturbed may hiss and strike with mouth closed, but rarely bites. Often voids evil smelling contents of anal gland when handled, and may feign death, lying on back with mouth open and tongue hanging out. Its food consists predominantly of frogs but fish are also occasionally taken and even small mammals.
Cyprus Cat Snake
(Telescopus fallax cyprianus)
A slender snake with a broad flat head, usually up to about 75 cm., but sometimes over 100 cm. Has small eyes with vertical cat-like pupil. Its colour is usually grey, beige or brownish with a conspicuous dark spot or collar just behind the head, and a series of dark transverse bars or blotches on back.
It is usually found in stony places, rocky degraded woodland, old walls, rock piles, ruins, etc. Mainly hunts at twilight but sometimes is active at night in summer and by day in the cooler part of the year. Feeds almost entirely on lizards. Once caught, lizards are held in jaws while venom takes effect. Telescopus varies in temperament. Some animals bite when handled.
This snake has grooved fangs at back of upper jaw which inject venom into prey causing death of small lizards in two or three minutes. Unlikely to be dangerous to man as the mouth is too small to allow fangs to be used effectively.
Blunt-nosed Viper
(Vibera lebetina lebetina)
Big strong viper with a sturdy head that is clearly distinguishable from the neck. Has relatively small eyes with perpendicular slit pupils and keeled scales. Its colour is whitish-grey, straw-yellow or rust-brown.
On its back there are two rows of ochre-coloured staggered transverse patches. Generally a robust snake reaching up to 150 cm and occasionally 200 cm.
It dwells in sunny, scarcely planted slopes and dry riverbeds with small pools where it waits for prey. It is a mainly day-active very poisonous viper. Nevertheless during the summer months of July and August it hunts mainly at night. Its prey consists mainly of rats, mice, birds, lizards and occasionally snakes. This viper has a very strong poison and its bite must be treated by antidote and the victim must be hospitalised.
Cyprus Whip Snake
(Coluber cypriensis)
This is the only endemic reptile species of Cyprus. Can be encountered in Akamas, the Paphos forest and in a few other areas of the Paphos district.
It has a long and slender body with a distinguishable head reaching in length up to 110 cm. Its colour is black, dark-brown or olive-brown with a well-defined white ring around the eyes. It has a relatively large mouth with small sharp teeth without venom.
This snake species was identified in early 1983 and this is why so little is known as to its habits. It prefers rocky areas covered with vegetation, is a diurnal species and feeds mainly on lizards. The carob lizard, Ablepharus kitaibelii should be an appropriate pray for this species. Judging from its body, the Cyprus Whip Snake must be good climber.
Coin Snake
(Coluber nummifer)
A strong snake with the head clearly distinguishable from the neck. Eyes with round pupils and lightly keeled scales all over until the very long tale. The upper head can have a variable colouring. On the back from head to tail there are dark brown patches. Its total length can reach up to 150cm.
Coluber nummifer is a day-active snake, loves the sun and is remarkably agile and extremely fast. Lives near populated areas where it looks for food in old stonewalls. When threatened instead of giving way as most snakes do, attacks back. Its bite, although painful because of its sharp teeth is completely harmless. It feeds on small mammals, lizards and birds. When small, feeds on large insects. The prey is encircled in a split second and strangled to death.
To complement the information on our herpetofauna the following list has been prepared which contains all the reptile species of Cyprus classified in four main categories i.e. Sea turtles, Freshwater Turtles, Lizards and Snakes:
Nigel did not a young Cypriot boy die last year when he was bitten on his thumb? by a Viper..
see this link...after tea.. http://cyprusliving.netfirms.com/phpbb/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3171
Youll find one or two snakes also around the estate agents offices..they bite bad!
just a Joke if there are any out there..Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment
Reptiles are a very important link in the chain of life and evolution. For the last 200 million years they actively participate in the development of the various ecosystems, for they are found all over the planet except the two Polar Regions and altitudes over 6.000m. They constitute a very important prey for many mammals, birds and invertebrates, thus contributing to the dynamic balance in their respective ecosystems.
Despite the fact that reptiles have been present all over our planet for so many million years, it is only during the last few decades that their numbers have shown a distinct decline in many of their populations. In addition, many species are threatened, or even at the brink of extinction. The most important reasons behind this decline are man's activities, especially through the destruction of habitats. Through their continuous quest for land to be used for habitation, agriculture, industry or other uses humans have caused widespread habitat destruction, with negative impact on all species that live in them. Simultaneously, the uncontrolled use of pesticides affects various reptiles both directly and indirectly (i.e. through their food), with detrimental results.
Since Cyprus is an island, it would be expected that only a few species of reptiles would be present. But this is not the case, for the environment of Cyprus boasts 22 different reptile species, some of which have evolved into endemic species and subspecies. The presence of many snakes and other reptiles in Cyprus was known from ancient times. The story of St. Helen, who brought a shipload of cats to the island in an attempt to control the number of poisonous snakes, which proliferated after a long period of serious drought, is well known.
Burnt snake bones were found among the bones of birds and pigmy hippos that have been recently excavated at the Asprokremmos area of Akrotiri Peninsula. This fact suggests that snakes were a food source for humans that lived on Cyprus around 8.500 B.C.
Another indication that snakes have been widespread on Cyprus comes from the Italian priest Giovanni Mariti, who lived on the island from 1760 to 1767. In his extensive work "Viaggi per l' isola di Cipro", Mariti mentions the following: "There is a black snake, usually five to six feet long. It is not poisonous and you can hold it in your hands. Occasionally people skin the snake and cook the meat, which is considered to be a delicacy".
From the 22 known reptile species of Cyprus, 11 are lizards, three are turtles, and eight are snakes. These eight snake species have colonized almost every corner of the island. The Blind Wormsnake (Typhlops vermicularis) lives underground, while the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) lives in and around reservoirs, stream pools and other wetlands. The remaining six species live all over the island, from the coast to the mountains. One species, the Cyprus Whip snake (Coluber cypriensis), is endemic and extremely rare, thus it is highly endangered, and should be effectively protected.
Three snake species are poisonous: The Cyprus Catsnake (Telescopus fallax cyprianus), the Montpellier Snake (Malponon monspessulanus inisgnitus), and the Blunt--nosed Viper (Vipera lebetina lebetina). The venom of the last species is highly dangerous for humans, and bites from this viper can often be lethal. The other two species have a rather weak venom that usually causes little trouble to humans.
Snakes and humans
In the food pyramid, snakes are considered to be third class consumers, that is they simultaneously are prey of higher consumers like mammals, birds, and humans. The role of snakes in the environment is extremely important, for they are a major means of control of destructive rodents. This is the very reason why many farmers from the Morphou area used to buy (before 1974) from villagers of the Mesaoria plain Large European Whipsnakes (known in Cyprus as "Black Snakes", Coluber jugularis), which were then set free in their fields and farms to control the population of mice and rats. This is the reason why this species is also known as "Farmer's Snake". In general, the snakes of Cyprus are rather calm creatures that attack humans only if and when provoked, and thus feel threatened. More information on each and every snake species of Cyprus is given herebelow.
Worm Snake
(Typhlops vermicularis )
Very slender and cylindrical and slightly thicker towards the tail. Has a rather flattened head with rounded snout not distinct from the body. Eyes are on the top of the head and appear as two tiny black spots. The tail is rounded and very short with a distinct spine at the tip. Usually has a brownish, pinkish or purple colour. Usually smaller than 35 cm.
It is mainly a subterranean species and can be found in fairly dry, open habitats without dense covering of high vegetation. Grassy fields and slopes with scattered stones are often favoured. In spring it can often be found under half sunken stones, but in summer retreats deeper into the ground. Occupies narrow burrows down which it retreats very quickly when disturbed. Feeds mainly on small invertebrates, especially ants and their larvae.
Montpellier Snake
(Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus)
A large fomidable, often uniform snake with rather stiff, slender body and narrow characteristically shaped head. The combination of large eyes and strong "browse gives this snake a very penetrating expression. Pattern very variable; ground colour grey, reddish-brown, olive, greenish or blackish. Many adults are more or less uniform, but may have scattered light or dark spots, or both. It can grow up to 200 cm, including tail.
It is a vivid terrestrial snake, which usually can be found in warm, dry habitats, nearly always with some plant cover in which it often hides. When threatened hisses loudly and for long periods; may also flatten body and spread neck. Provoked animals often try to bite. It feeds on lizards, other snakes, small mammals and occasionally on birds.
Prey animals are killed by action of venom. Fangs are at the back of the upper jaw and because of this they are only liable to be used effectively on human beings if the snake is actually picked up. A severe bite from a free snake is unlikely. In man, prolonged bites to the hand produce numbing and stiffness in the arm, as well as swelling and even fever. This usually passes in a few hours.
Large Whip Snake
(Coluber jugularis)
One of the longest snakes, reaching sometimes up to 300 cm., with a fairly well defined but smallish head, smooth scales, fairly prominent eyes and round pupils. It has a yellow-brown, olive-brown or reddish colour with a pattern of narrow stripes that extend all over the body.
This is a diurnal, very swift and largely terrestrial species living in dry, open habitats, usually with some vegetation. Often not very inclined to retreat and bites readily when handled.
Adults eat mainly small mammals. Youngsters take a high proportion of lizards and grasshoppers.
Grass Snake
(Natrix natrix)
A rather large snake, usually up to 120 cm, often less but occasionally up to 200 cm. Females grow larger than males. It has a very variable colour. The body is usually olive-grey, greenish, olive-brown or even steel-grey with various dark blotches and sometimes light stripes.
Natrix natrix is a largely diurnal species and usually occurs near water. Swims well and may hunt in water. When disturbed may hiss and strike with mouth closed, but rarely bites. Often voids evil smelling contents of anal gland when handled, and may feign death, lying on back with mouth open and tongue hanging out. Its food consists predominantly of frogs but fish are also occasionally taken and even small mammals.
Cyprus Cat Snake
(Telescopus fallax cyprianus)
A slender snake with a broad flat head, usually up to about 75 cm., but sometimes over 100 cm. Has small eyes with vertical cat-like pupil. Its colour is usually grey, beige or brownish with a conspicuous dark spot or collar just behind the head, and a series of dark transverse bars or blotches on back.
It is usually found in stony places, rocky degraded woodland, old walls, rock piles, ruins, etc. Mainly hunts at twilight but sometimes is active at night in summer and by day in the cooler part of the year. Feeds almost entirely on lizards. Once caught, lizards are held in jaws while venom takes effect. Telescopus varies in temperament. Some animals bite when handled.
This snake has grooved fangs at back of upper jaw which inject venom into prey causing death of small lizards in two or three minutes. Unlikely to be dangerous to man as the mouth is too small to allow fangs to be used effectively.
Blunt-nosed Viper
(Vibera lebetina lebetina)
Big strong viper with a sturdy head that is clearly distinguishable from the neck. Has relatively small eyes with perpendicular slit pupils and keeled scales. Its colour is whitish-grey, straw-yellow or rust-brown.
On its back there are two rows of ochre-coloured staggered transverse patches. Generally a robust snake reaching up to 150 cm and occasionally 200 cm.
It dwells in sunny, scarcely planted slopes and dry riverbeds with small pools where it waits for prey. It is a mainly day-active very poisonous viper. Nevertheless during the summer months of July and August it hunts mainly at night. Its prey consists mainly of rats, mice, birds, lizards and occasionally snakes. This viper has a very strong poison and its bite must be treated by antidote and the victim must be hospitalised.
Cyprus Whip Snake
(Coluber cypriensis)
This is the only endemic reptile species of Cyprus. Can be encountered in Akamas, the Paphos forest and in a few other areas of the Paphos district.
It has a long and slender body with a distinguishable head reaching in length up to 110 cm. Its colour is black, dark-brown or olive-brown with a well-defined white ring around the eyes. It has a relatively large mouth with small sharp teeth without venom.
This snake species was identified in early 1983 and this is why so little is known as to its habits. It prefers rocky areas covered with vegetation, is a diurnal species and feeds mainly on lizards. The carob lizard, Ablepharus kitaibelii should be an appropriate pray for this species. Judging from its body, the Cyprus Whip Snake must be good climber.
Coin Snake
(Coluber nummifer)
A strong snake with the head clearly distinguishable from the neck. Eyes with round pupils and lightly keeled scales all over until the very long tale. The upper head can have a variable colouring. On the back from head to tail there are dark brown patches. Its total length can reach up to 150cm.
Coluber nummifer is a day-active snake, loves the sun and is remarkably agile and extremely fast. Lives near populated areas where it looks for food in old stonewalls. When threatened instead of giving way as most snakes do, attacks back. Its bite, although painful because of its sharp teeth is completely harmless. It feeds on small mammals, lizards and birds. When small, feeds on large insects. The prey is encircled in a split second and strangled to death.
To complement the information on our herpetofauna the following list has been prepared which contains all the reptile species of Cyprus classified in four main categories i.e. Sea turtles, Freshwater Turtles, Lizards and Snakes:
-
Edited by
jimbox
2006-04-29 14:54:05
jim is that the one eyed variety
Has anyone seen the Cyprus Elephants?
On route to the Troodos mountains our driver "Bambos" kept pointing into the hillsides saying look "Cyprus Elephants"... we looked ?.. we looked again?.. for miles we couldn't spot anything remotely elephant like... We looked at shapes of trees, clouds, houses anything that could be the things we were looking for....
if you want the answer you might have to go on the trip.. :LOL
On route to the Troodos mountains our driver "Bambos" kept pointing into the hillsides saying look "Cyprus Elephants"... we looked ?.. we looked again?.. for miles we couldn't spot anything remotely elephant like... We looked at shapes of trees, clouds, houses anything that could be the things we were looking for....
if you want the answer you might have to go on the trip.. :LOL
We saw a snake on the road leading to Cape Greco last week. Thought it was a bit of shredded tire until it bolted away from our car. It was long and black so judging by the pictures I guess it was a whip snake.
Hello!
Thanks to all who responded, think I'm more worried about the estate agent species than any of the rest! LOLL! My wife says she will increase my insurance premium before we go, just in case LOL! (wonder if she is trying to tell me something!) LOL! once again thanks, all very interesting.
Alistair
Thanks to all who responded, think I'm more worried about the estate agent species than any of the rest! LOLL! My wife says she will increase my insurance premium before we go, just in case LOL! (wonder if she is trying to tell me something!) LOL! once again thanks, all very interesting.
Alistair
Hi Jim,
> Nigel did not a young Cypriot boy die last year when he was bitten on his thumb? by a Viper
You may well be right - I didn't hear about it.
A friend of ours was bitten on the finger by a viper and spent a few days in hospital (but then they didn't go the hospital until the following day).
Regards,
> Nigel did not a young Cypriot boy die last year when he was bitten on his thumb? by a Viper
You may well be right - I didn't hear about it.
A friend of ours was bitten on the finger by a viper and spent a few days in hospital (but then they didn't go the hospital until the following day).
Regards,
I used to work and live in Pernera. I did see a tarantula once running down the road which runs from the Paschalia to Blue Spice!! Made me jump at the time, but I never saw one again.
As for snakes, the grassy area which you can cut through near the Paschalia hotel to get to the main road in walking into Protaras was rumoured to have snakes in. But I used this path and never saw one......but would have been reluctant to go through it at night when I couldn't see!
In the main tourist parts, as others have said, you will see cats and lizards but I wouldn't worry at all about snakes/scorpions.
As for snakes, the grassy area which you can cut through near the Paschalia hotel to get to the main road in walking into Protaras was rumoured to have snakes in. But I used this path and never saw one......but would have been reluctant to go through it at night when I couldn't see!
In the main tourist parts, as others have said, you will see cats and lizards but I wouldn't worry at all about snakes/scorpions.
I suppose this is a bit of "fear of the unknown" as we aren't used to having snakes/spiders that could do you damage we don't know what they do/how they live/if they are always attacking etc...
I once saw a snake in England, nearly broke my shoulder... well it didn't but my mate who was trying to climb on my head out of its way did...
I once saw a snake in England, nearly broke my shoulder... well it didn't but my mate who was trying to climb on my head out of its way did...
Hi!
Having visited the above link must confess my bottle is beginning to go just a wee bit, although I'm guessing that the area surrounding the Farkonia is fairly built up with other apartments and hotels so probably less natural habitat for the beasties. Got a fright on Xante once when a young couple walking some 20 metres in front of us started walking backwards towards us rapidly as a very large orange and brown snake had crossed their path. Trouble is when you can't see it becomes a real pain for others when you have to ask them to check the bathroom or loo before you go in. Or is that just paranoia creeping up on me!LOL!
Alistair
Having visited the above link must confess my bottle is beginning to go just a wee bit, although I'm guessing that the area surrounding the Farkonia is fairly built up with other apartments and hotels so probably less natural habitat for the beasties. Got a fright on Xante once when a young couple walking some 20 metres in front of us started walking backwards towards us rapidly as a very large orange and brown snake had crossed their path. Trouble is when you can't see it becomes a real pain for others when you have to ask them to check the bathroom or loo before you go in. Or is that just paranoia creeping up on me!LOL!
Alistair
As you may know I live permanently on the island and yes I have seen many snakes and fury big spiders, but I don't have a problem with them, I avoid them yes but you must not fear then either, as posted you will not encounter snakes etc in built up area's so silly losing your ''bottle'' over something that should not be a problem is it? take precautions do not to walk over scrubland or through long grass, make sure the path is wide and clear, they will NOT jump out and attack you only if they feel threatened, like stamping on them, just be sensible about where you walk in the country and I am sure you will not give my post above a second thought, I was just concerned that holiday reps never give warnings about this subject, it is my belief they most certainly should, maybe you can also ask the reps if they know of snakes, they may just as surprised as some that do not realise that we share the island with them.
Have a good stay, and please don't worry..
Have a good stay, and please don't worry..
-
Edited by
jimbox
2006-05-02 15:37:30
hi Jimbox,
We are looking forward to our holiday, we are not that adventurous in fact as long as we can get a walk on a beach, few cold beers, 2 or 3 good books, we will enjoy ourselves. I'm glad of the information posted on the topic, better to be forewarned! Thomas Cook do warn of snakes and other beasties at historical locations in their brochure, however they and others are unlikely to publicise the info in-resort. once again thanks to all who responded, 7 weeks on Wednesday!YES!
Alistair
We are looking forward to our holiday, we are not that adventurous in fact as long as we can get a walk on a beach, few cold beers, 2 or 3 good books, we will enjoy ourselves. I'm glad of the information posted on the topic, better to be forewarned! Thomas Cook do warn of snakes and other beasties at historical locations in their brochure, however they and others are unlikely to publicise the info in-resort. once again thanks to all who responded, 7 weeks on Wednesday!YES!
Alistair
H AskCy
> Cyprus Elephants
They're all over the place! Most of us here call them 'twin cabs' made by Mitsubishi or Nissan.
Unlike African & Indian elephants, which are grey, Cyprus elephants come in a wide range of colours.
Some of them are fitted with high suspension and extra-large wheels - I believe this stops the 60 foot anaconda snakes from getting in
Cheers, Nigel
> Cyprus Elephants
They're all over the place! Most of us here call them 'twin cabs' made by Mitsubishi or Nissan.
Unlike African & Indian elephants, which are grey, Cyprus elephants come in a wide range of colours.
Some of them are fitted with high suspension and extra-large wheels - I believe this stops the 60 foot anaconda snakes from getting in
Cheers, Nigel
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