Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/ # 6 species of snakes found in Bulgaria Published on September 8, 2019 [![A Coiled Young Dice Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-young-dice-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-young-dice-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) During our 2019 [Reptiles & Amphibians of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/bulgaria/reptiles-amphibians-in-bulgaria/), we found 6 of the 16 species of snakes found in Bulgaria. These are the six, with a few notes on each & the photographs we came home with. ## Caspian Whip Snake The **Caspian Whip Snake** (*Dolichophis caspius*) can grow up to 200cm in length. They actively hunt their prey which includes small mammals, birds & reptiles & although usually a terrestrial species, they can climb up to around 7m in search of prey. During the tour, we didn’t find any significant adult individuals, only a young one, which was quite adorable. [![The Detail Of The Head Of A Caspian Whip Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-caspian-whip-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-caspian-whip-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Coiled Caspian Whip Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-caspian-whip-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-caspian-whip-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Smooth Snake **Smooth Snakes** (*Coronella austriaca*) grow up to around 70cm in length & feed mainly on lizards. However, they will feed on other snakes & even vipers securing their prey by constriction. They are ovoviviparous, meaning the embryos develop & hatch from the eggs within the female. Up to 9 juveniles are born in late August or September. [![The Detail Of The Head Of A Smooth Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-smooth-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-smooth-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Cat Snake The **Cat Snake** (*Telescopus fallax*) can grow up to 100cm & are slender snakes with beautiful markings. They are almost entirely crepuscular or nocturnal & may be found climbing walls or rocky outcrops in search of lizards, with geckos being their primary prey. They are venomous but rarely bite. [![The Detail Of The Head Of A Cat Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-cat-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-cat-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Coiled Cat Snake Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-cat-snake-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-cat-snake-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Dice Snake **Dice Snakes** (*Natrix tessellata*) grow up to 100cm but can be up to 130cm. They are both diurnal & nocturnal feeding mainly on fish. The female will lay between 5 to 37 eggs which will hatch out in August/September. Again, we didn’t find an adult, but we did find a couple of juveniles, which certainly had the cute factor. [![The Detail Of The Head Of A Young Dice Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-young-dice-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-young-dice-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Eastern Montpellier Snake **Eastern Montpellier Snakes** (*Malpolon insignitus*) grow up to 200cm & are a sturdy, formidable mostly diurnal thermophilous snake. They are a fast predator that actively hunts its prey, which consists of other reptiles, birds or mammals. They are venomous but rear-fanged. We only found a juvenile of this species, but they are far more beautiful with colourful markings along with their large eyes making them adorable. [![The Detail Of The Head Of A Young Montpellier Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-young-montpellier-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-young-montpellier-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Coiled Young Montpellier Snake Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-young-montpellier-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-young-montpellier-snake-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Nose-Horned Viper The **Nose-Horned Viper** (*Vipera ammodytes*) grows up to around 65cm & are easily recognisable due to the horn on the snout. They are diurnal & also crepuscular with adults feeding mainly on mammals or lizards with the juveniles feeding on arthropods. They are highly venomous with both neurotoxic & cytotoxic components. If disturbed, they will hiss but typically only bite if handled or stepped on. [![The Detail Of The Head Of A Nose Horned Viper Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-nose-horned-viper-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/the-detail-of-the-head-of-a-nose-horned-viper-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Coiled Nose Horned Viper Photographed During The Natureslens Reptiles Amphibians Of Bulgaria Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-nose-horned-viper-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-coiled-nose-horned-viper-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) ## Photographing the Snakes of Bulgaria Photographing snakes can be a challenge as they move fast & have very reflective eyes. But spending time watching them pays off & allows you to capture their beauty. If you are lucky, you can get the tongue flicker too. Snakes are a real favourite subject of mine & furthermore, very rewarding to photograph. If you would like to photograph snakes like these yourself, our [Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/bulgaria/reptiles-amphibians-in-bulgaria/) returns to [Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/bulgaria/) in spring. - NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access. - Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance. - Single occupancy is included on virtually all NaturesLens trips. ## Share this post - - - - [![One Of The Large Bears Walks Alongside Is Reflected Within The Lake Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-walks-alongside-is-reflected-within-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2018/09/10/wild-brown-bears/) ### [The Wild Brown Bears of Finland from Summer 2018](https://natureslens.co.uk/2018/09/10/wild-brown-bears/) September 10, 2018 Our local bear expert, Johnny Södergård, led our 2018 trip to photograph the wild brown bears of Finland. Johnny is… - [![One Of The Stunning Golden Eagles Photographed During A Snow Storm This Image Was Captured On The Natureslens Golden Eagles Of The Swedish Winter Photography Holiday 1](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/one-of-the-stunning-golden-eagles-photographed-during-a-snow-storm-this-image-was-captured-on-the-natureslens-golden-eagles-of-the-swedish-winter-photography-holiday-1.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/magnificent-golden-eagles-of-the-swedish-winter/) ### [10 images of the magnificent Golden Eagles of the Swedish Winter](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/magnificent-golden-eagles-of-the-swedish-winter/) April 14, 2019 Robin reports back from his trip to photograph the Golden Eagles of the Swedish Winter with 10 amazing images of… - [![A Goose Stepping Vulture Photographed During The Natureslens Zimanga Photo Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/a-goose-stepping-vulture-photographed-during-the-natureslens-zimanga-photo-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/zimanga-photo-tour/) ### [Beautiful safari images from Alan’s Zimanga Photo Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/zimanga-photo-tour/) April 14, 2019 Part three of a series of blog posts showcasing Alan's images from his Zimanga photo tour taken on game drives… In this articleJump to section 1. [Caspian Whip Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/#caspian-whip-snake) 1. [Smooth Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/#smooth-snake) 1. [Cat Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/#cat-snake) 1. [Dice Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/#dice-snake) 1. [Eastern Montpellier Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/#eastern-montpellier-snake) 1. [Nose-Horned Viper](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/#nose-horned-viper) 1. [Photographing the Snakes of Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/snakes-found-in-bulgaria/#photographing-the-snakes-of-bulgaria) [![Reptiles & Amphibians In Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/an-agile-frog-photographed-in-bulgaria-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/bulgaria/reptiles-amphibians-in-bulgaria/) Related photography holiday ### Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria Continue from the article into the linked NaturesLens holiday details, dates and availability. [View Trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/bulgaria/reptiles-amphibians-in-bulgaria/) ### Related articles [![8 Images Of The Fabulous Tree Frogs Of Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-european-tree-frog-on-a-reed-photographed-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) **8 images of the fabulous Tree Frogs of Bulgaria**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/08/tree-frogs-of-bulgaria/) [![30 Images Of The Diminutive Reptiles & Amphibians Of Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/a-common-spadefoot-toad-photographed-in-bulgaria-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) **30 images of the diminutive Reptiles & Amphibians of Bulgaria**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/07/reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. 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