Wildlife

Are there venomous snakes in Gibraltar?

Short answer

Gibraltar has several snake species, and the Montpellier snake is venomous, but it is shy and bites are very rare. Most snakes on the Rock, such as the common horseshoe whip snake, are harmless to people, and no vipers are among the species recorded.

Detailed answer

Gibraltar has several snake species. The Montpellier snake is venomous, but it is shy, its fangs are at the back of its mouth, and bites are very rare. No vipers are among the species recorded on the Rock.

Snakes you may see

  • Horseshoe whip snake: the most common, with an orange underside; harmless
  • Montpellier snake: large and venomous, but avoids people
  • Ladder snake, southern smooth snake, false smooth snake and viperine snake

If you meet one

  • Keep your distance and let it move away
  • Do not handle or harm it; wildlife in the Nature Reserve is protected
  • If bitten, stay calm, keep the limb still and get medical help