13. Red Whip Snake

The red whip snake is a type of snake found in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as in Bulgaria. It is distributed in a limited area near the shore of the Black Sea between Sozopol and Ahtopol. It reaches a length of up to 1m and resembles the relative species Dahl’s whip snake (Platyceps najadum). It inhabits rocky places overgrown with grasses and low shrubs. For shelter it uses rock cracks leading in depth, stacks of stones and more. It is active during the day, with lizards being its main food. The red whip snake is an extremely fast and mobile snake, and when caught, it may slightly hiss. This snake is subject to poaching by collectors and is listed in the Bulgarian Red Book with "Critically Endangered" Status.