Poisonous Snakes & Spiders Seen Whilst on Vacation In Portugal

Poisonous snakes and spiders seen whilst on vacation to Portugal.

Portugal, like many of the warmer climate countries in Europe, has its fair share of venomous snakes, although allegedly, there is only one poisonous snake in Portugal which is harmful to humans. There are in general, eight different types of snake which call Portugal home, and although they are common in most parts of rural Portugal, there are not many reported cases of snake bites, so far. Vacations or holidays to Portugal can be ruined if people do not take extra care when they are walking about in the rural areas.

The general populations of snakes have been falling over recent years, with the onslaught of mans house building projects destroying the snakes natural habitat. The most common snakes that are found in Portugal are:

1) The Ladder Snake

2) The False Smooth Snake

3) The Grass Snake

4) The Motpellier Snake

5) The Viperine Snake

6) The Lastaste Viper

7) The Southern Smooth Snake

8) The Horseshoe Snake

The Lastaste Viper, pictured above, is Portugal's only known poisonous snake. If a person is bitten by any snake, do not attempt to suck out the poison, it will enter the other persons blood stream. Do not put anything cool or cold on it, it could make the tissue damage worse, take an anti-histamine tablet and get to hospital quickly, do not panic, you will be OK, even if you are miles from hospital. Cheap vacation packages to Portugal are exceptional value, and millions ot tourists holiday there without problems.

Poisonous Spiders

There are a few of these in Portugal, one being the Armadeira Spider, whose bite is quite painful, and can cause dizziness, vomiting and possible muscle spasms. It can grow to approximately 5cm in length and has been known to travel in groups, but is usually alone and can be easily found in the home.

They originally came to Portugal in banana boxes, and have adapted to the continental climate. My advice, see it, stand on it, make sure you have shoes on first. Usually this spider can bee seen at the cooler times of the day and through the night. If bitten, go straight to hospital for antiaracnídico, the serum for this snake bite. If you leave this bite untreated, it can cause dislocation of a limb or finger and possibly the loss of the limb. Be careful, if you are on holiday in Portugal and see a spider in your house or hotel and are not sure about it, do not pick it up.

There are many biting spiders in Portugal, keeping away from them is impossible. There are Tarantula spiders in Portugal, not common place, but they are there and do not usually attack unless provoked. There is also the sinister black widow spider, you will know these spiders by the fact that they are black and are alone. and the fact that on their body they have a red spot, very distinguishable.

I have had at least seven of these in my house in one summer season, not nice, the bite hurts and you may need to seek medical attention. If bitten whilst on vacation, the area may swell quite large. Legs and arms may swell to three times their normal size. If bitten, take anti-histamines and seek medical attention.

Portugal has an excellent medical cre system for people on vacation to this pardise. Ensure to cayy original and copies of medical forms and any other documentation in case medical attenstion is required.