Albania is a country that is located in southeastern Europe and it borders the Ionian and the Adriatic Seas within the Mediterranean region, Albania has huge wildlife areas, so what dangerous animals in Albania you can find?
The countries’ borders Montenegro to the northwest, Macedonia to the north, Kosovo to the northeast, and Greece to the south.
It is one of the most iconic tourist locations that you should once in your lifetime. The capital Tirana is the largest city and it is the main hub for business, culture, and tourism.
The country is located on the Balkan Peninsula and it covers a land mass of about 29000 square kilometers.
The sheer size of the country does not mean that less to see in the country. Albania guarantees you some of the best experiences in Europe and you should fret if you are going to visit the country because there is so much to see and do during your vacation.
There are hills and mountains moving in different directions, you will see the Albanian alps in the north Pindus mountains in the southeast, the Korabi mountains in the east, and the Skanderbeg mountains in the central part of the country just to name a few.
The people of Albania are some of the friendliest and warm people hence you should not be afraid because they are going to guide you around the country. The most iconic feature of this country is the number of lakes that are present within its borders.
The largest lake of Shkoder is the largest in southeastern Europe.
The country is also home to some of the ancient lakes in the world.
The diversity of species in Albania is astounding and you are going to learn so much about the country during your visit. Many rivers in the country rise in the eastern part of the country and they discharge the waters to the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea as well.
The waterbodies around the country create a perfect environment for different species to thrive.
Albanian climate varies from continental to the Mediterranean and it is usually classified under four seasons.
The country has unique climatic conditions, which means that you are going to see diverse creatures around the country. The warmest parts are located closer to the Ionian and the Adriatic Sea.
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Why visit Albania
Albania is a unique destination and it gives you an opportunity to explore some of the areas that are hidden and the amazing fauna and flora that you are going to find in the country. If you are moving from a cold climate then this is the right destination because you can enjoy warmer climates around the coastlines.
This is better, especially during the summer period.
Rainfall in this country varies from one season to another and it is important that you understand the expected climatic condition before you can visit. The biodiversity is exceptional in this part because of the geographical location and the hydrological conditions in the country.
It is important that you check out the different species that are thriving in this country. Here are some of the dangerous creatures that you should watch out for during your visit to Albania.
Nose horned viper
The nose-horned viper is one of the most dangerous creatures that you are going to encounter during your trip to Albania. This snake is easily distinguishable by its smaller snout.
They are usually rare and you will find them deep in the forests and rural parts of the country. If you are going to explore the different parts of the country then you should watch out for these creatures because they can come out of most parts and attack you.
They are slithery and move very fast, especially in areas with large grass.
The nose-horned viper is usually nocturnal during the summer period and they usually hibernate during the cold months of winter. You are likely to run into one during the spring or autumn period when they are active during the day.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Macedonia
This creature usually consumes lizards, mice, and other smaller animals.
However, when they are provoked, they are very dangerous creatures because they will hiss and attack you immediately. The sand viper will grow up to 1.5 meters in length and they have fangs of about 2 centimeters.
Their camouflaging technique is exceptional because they are grey, brown, or black hence it will be difficult to spot them in the sand and the forest. The venom from this snake is highly toxic and you should keep a safe distance because it can cause severe injuries.
When it is not attended to immediately, it could then lead to fatalities.
Albanian water frog
The Albanian water frog is one of the most dangerous species that you are going to find in the region.
This snake is native to Montenegro and Albania and they are known to thrive in the aquatic environments of the country.
The number of these frogs has dwindled because of human activities.
They usually have venom, which they deliver to the victim whenever they feel threatened. You must stay away from these creatures.
Brown Bear
The brown bear is one of the remaining species that you are going to find in the Albanian forests.
These are some of the most unique creatures because they are evasive in nature and you will find them hiding in the forests or hunting for food.
However, you should not mistake them for being docile because they can attack at any moment.
They are usually found in the mountainous parts of the country in the eastern, northern, and southeastern parts of the country.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Greece
The local government has put in place measures to protect these creatures and with the ongoing activities, their numbers have begun rising.
Brown bears are large creatures with immense power hence you should avoid their habitat.
When they have their young ones around then they can be overly aggressive and this is the time to avoid them.
They have an incredible sense of smell and can be attracted to a campfire if you set one up.
If you run into them then you should avoid them at all costs. It is important that you always move with a guide if you do not know the areas.
Meadow Viper
The meadow viper is one of the creatures that you are going to find in Albania. It is usually thriving in the mountainous regions of Korabi.
These vipers usually prefer the grasslands of Albania and it is important to note that they are the smallest vipers in Europe.
Their small size should not fool you because they are very dangerous and they will bite and deliver a highly potent venom to your body.
The meadow viper has an earthy color with a zigzag pattern all over the body, which moves along the length of the snake. The meadow viper grows up to 0.5 meters long and it is characterized by a narrow head and thick body.
The meadow viper is known for short fangs and therefore it will only deliver a small amount of venom. The bites are usually characterized by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hematoma, numbness, and hypertension.
Depending on the allergy profile of an individual, this can be dangerous or something that can be easily treated.
Mediterranean Black Widow
The Mediterranean black widow is one of the creatures that you are going to find in Albania.
These arachnids are known to thrive in different parts of the region.
They are the scariest spiders that you are going to find in Europe. They are venomous in nature and you should always avoid them when you are moving from different parts of the country.
The venom that is submitted to the victim is known to cause convulsions, muscle cramps, lowered heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and even death if it is not dealt with immediately. This is the case for those people who are highly allergic.
However, for others, it will just cause severe side effects and can result in organ damage.
They usually feature cream or red markings on their body with a shiny black as well. These spiders can grow up to about 15 centimeters. Spiders are found in the outdoor environment, especially in the grasslands.
Balkan Lynx
Perhaps this is one of the most dangerous species that you are going to find in the region. It is a beautiful predator, which is currently considered an endangered species in the region.
The Balkan lynx is usually found in eastern Albania and if you are going to explore this region then you should be careful.
The population of this creature has been diminishing because of poaching, and other illegal activities.
The lynx is around the region and always thriving in their natural habitat and if you are going to explore the different parts of the country then you should be careful because it causes severe damage.
They usually prey on animals such as deer among other small animals.
They are known to leap and attack their prey unnoticed. It usually does this by sinking its claws and delivering a fatal bite on the jugular. It is the largest wildcat that you will find in the region.
They usually grow up to 50 pounds and have a height of about 70 centimeters they have stunning skin with spotted coats and tufts of dark fur.
Although they pose little threat to humans, you should not play with them because they might cause severe injuries and infections to your body.
Eurasian wolf
The Eurasian wolf is another creature that you are going to find in Albania.
They are usually found thriving in their natural habitats, especially in the mountainous regions of the country.
These wolves have become dangerous over time and they are known to hunt livestock in different regions of the country. There has been a wide array of attacks from humans and wolves because they attack livestock.
These wolves usually move in packs and they are known to attack domesticated goats, especially those that migrate to the mountain pastures during the summer.
It is often considered a pest predator and you should be careful about them.
They usually prey on red deer in the country. The wolves have become a major threat in different parts of Europe over the years and you will find them thriving in different habitats around the country.
They grow to weigh about 80 pounds and they have coarse tawny fur. Perhaps the main reason why you should avoid these creatures is that they have a high amount of rabies hence it is going to cause severe infections, which could result in organ damage and even permanent brain damage.
These creatures are dangerous because they can attack small children when there is food scarcity.
Roe deer
The roe deer are found in different parts of Albania. They are often found thriving in the mountainous region and the dense forests of Albania. These deer are known to thrive in different parts of the country and can adjust to different climatic conditions.
They are usually fierce especially when they are nursing their young ones.
They are usually herbivorous and will feed on leaves and grass.
European common viper
This is one of the most dangerous snake species that you are going to find in the country. You might confuse the European common viper with the Norse horned relative. It is one of the most widespread snakes in the region.
The snake usually goes by different names from the Balkan cross adder, among others. This common European viper grows up to 60 centimeters long and it is a very elusive creature that you are going to find in the region. They have thick bodies and flat heads.
These common vipers usually consume things such as lizards, shrews, mice, and moles among other creatures that you are going to find in the region. They are usually found in grassland areas and they camouflage perfectly.
During your visit, you should be careful with these species.
They do not attack humans unless they are provoked.
The common viper is a dangerous snake because it has venom that can cause organ damage and eventually failure.
The toxicity of the venom varies from one snake to another and depends on the habitat of these species.
When the venom is administered, it causes a tingling sensation, swelling, tenderness, and excruciating.
In children and people who are highly allergic, the venom from these snakes can be very dangerous because it can cause anaphylaxis. These snakes are usually active in the evening and early in the morning hence, you should be careful.
