Recent reports in both German and British media have drawn attention to rising snake activity in Mallorca, after two large horseshoe whip snakes were discovered in Santa Ponsa and Santa Maria. The island is home to five snake species, some of which can grow up to 1.85 metres, prompting local authorities to issue advice on how to identify them and respond to encounters.
Mallorca’s snake population includes both native and introduced species. The viperine water snake and the false smooth snake are indigenous, while the horseshoe whip snake, ladder snake and Montpellier snake were brought from the Iberian Peninsula. On mainland Spain these species are protected, but that status does not apply in the Balearics. As a result, the Consortium for the Recovery of Balearic Wildlife (COFIB) recommends capturing non-native snakes and, where necessary, dispatching them humanely.
Miquel Puig, COFIB’s managing director, explains: “The increase in summer sightings correlates with these cold-blooded creatures’ natural lifecycle. Higher temperatures boost their activity and food-seeking behaviour.” He adds that enhanced resource allocation for snake detection and growing public awareness have contributed to more frequent reporting.
Species identification guide
The Montpellier snake displays a greenish or grey back, often featuring a large dark blue patch on its front half. Its belly shows yellow or greenish colouration, with a prominent scale above the eye. This species can grow up to two metres.
The horseshoe snake exhibits variable back colouring with a series of black-bordered hexagonal spots. Its belly is yellow or orange with well-defined spots, and it bears a distinctive horseshoe-shaped mark behind its head.
The ladder snake, another climbing species, features small dark eyes and an elongated spot at the back of its head extending to the corner of its mouth. It has a light-coloured back with two parallel dark lines and can reach 170 centimetres in length.
The viperine water snake possesses large eyes with round pupils and variable back colouring ranging from reddish to grey. It displays a zigzag dorsal line and can reach 95 centimetres.
The false smooth snake has small eyes with vertically oval pupils, grey or cream colouring with dark spots in a regular pattern, and a yellow or pink belly. It reaches 65 centimetres in length.
What to do if you encounter a snake
While none of Mallorca’s snake species pose significant danger to humans, COFIB advises calling emergency services (112) or their direct line (+34 607 554 055) upon encountering any snake. Providing a photo and location details assists in proper identification and response.