The truth behind the snake dance and how dangerous they are

Biodiversity officer Charis Nikolaou clarifies that Cyprus is home to eight snake species, with only the viper being venomous. Addressing a viral video of two snakes at a Protaras beach, he explained they are harmless whip snakes engaging in a territorial dispute to mate. These reptiles generally avoid humans and do not attack without provocation. During summer, they often approach residential areas seeking water and food, moving quickly to escape humans, which is often misinterpreted as aggressive behavior.