Italy is one of the most famous European holiday destinations, there is so much history that you can learn about in the country and with a rich history, places, to visit, things to do as well as priceless artwork. This is a place that you should have as a top destination to visit in your lifetime. Whether you are visiting Italy for the first time or you are a returning visitor, there is always something new that you can learn or do in the country. The leaning tower of Pisa, the strange houses in Lecce, vineyards and rolling hills in Tuscany as well as the amazing Mediterranean coastline are some of the places that you should explore during your visit to Italy. There is unique biodiversity in the country that you will have a time of your life when you visit, and it is also sure there are some dangerous animals in Italy you might encounter during your trip, too! There is a huge fauna and flora that represents the European continent, and you must explore the country as much as possible and the culture of the Italians as well.
When planning to visit Italy, you must check out the weather or the prevailing climatic condition in this region. When you choose the right time you will be able to see more of the country. There are different species that you are likely to encounter in this area such as alpine marmots, wild boars, and shrews among others. There are other elusive creatures that if you are explorative then you are likely to interact with them during your visit. When you understand the dynamics then it is easier for you to have an awesome trip. During your planning, you should consider all the aspects that make the location a perfect place to visit. Your security should rank high up because you need to be safe to enjoy your trip to the country. The cuisine across the different parts of Italy is amazing and you should try them during your visit.
During your visit to the country, there are different animals that you should avoid to ensure your safety. Some of the dangerous animals that you will find in the region include the following.
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Italian wolf
The Apennine wolf or what is commonly called the Italian wolf is a wolf native to Italy and has been in the region for centuries now. They usually thrive in the western alps and Apennine mountains. An adult wolf can weigh up to a hundred pounds and they usually have brown, grey coloration on their fur. However, there is a high chance that you might encounter some with black fur, especially in the Mugello region.
The wolves usually consume the deer that are found in the mountains and they are very efficient hunters because they like to hunt in groups. Since the people have explored the area and pushed the wolves to the mountains they have become very dangerous and can attack you if you are not careful. In a situation where you encounter them then you should make yourself large. However, if you are bitten then you should seek immediate medical attention.
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Asp vipers
One of the dangerous creatures that you are going to encounter during your trip to Italy is snakes. This is one of the most dangerous animals on the planet and they are often responsible for over 90% of the bites across the world. The Asp viper is one of the snakes that are known across Italy to cause a myriad of bites across the country. Although their venom is not immediately fatal, it is integral to ensure that you get an antidote immediately because it can turn fatal if not treated immediately. The asp vipers can grow up to 75 centimeters long and they have a broad and triangular-shaped heads. The colors of these snakes will vary depending on the region that you find them and mostly they are reddish-brown light grey and other kinds of marking on the body.
The asp vipers often thrive in the hilly and mountainous region of Italy and you must be safe when you reach the destination. They usually like different places where they can access warmth and water. The asp snakes are venomous and you should not be fooled by their beautiful body markings and skin. When it bites you, you will experience acute pain, paralysis, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, and eventually death if antivenom is not administered immediately. You should visit a clinic immediately in case you are bitten by this snake.
Mosquitoes
Perhaps the last place that you expect to encounter mosquitos is Italy. Since the climatic conditions of the country are warm then these small creatures usually thrive in such environments. The tiny creatures are very annoying and the female anopheles’ mosquito is known to transmit malaria. During the summer periods, you should carry repellant and always sleep under a mosquito net. In the recent past mosquitoes have been agents that carry different parasites and infections such as dengue, zika virus, and Nile virus. You must avoid areas that are infested with mosquitoes or use insect repellant.
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Jellyfish
One of the dangerous species that you will find in Italy is jellyfish. The most common jellyfish that you are going to find in Italy is barrel jellyfish and this is a creature that is often in the Mediterranean Sea and is taken by the ocean currents from one location to another. This is a huge creature and you should not underestimate it because it has tentacles that cover several feet and you should be careful when exploring this region. There have been different cases of jellyfish causing fatalities across the country. These fishes are often available around the country and mostly on the Mediterranean coast. They have also moved and colonized the Adriatic Sea.
The nomad jellyfish usually have a highly venomous sting that when it is not attended to immediately is likely to cause death. The most common form of administration of this venom occurs when you touch the tentacles by mistake. When exploring the coastline and swimming in the ocean then you should be careful to avoid areas that are infested by these creatures. The long tentacles usually drift behind and they are to protect the jellyfish. The injuries caused by the venom can last up to a month before healing. You must seek immediate medical attention if you are stung by the fish.
Scorpion
There are scorpions across Italy and when you are visiting the country then you should watch out for these creatures because they are all over the place. These indigenous scorpions are usually 5 centimeters long and they have a black body, although some of them have reddish legs and pincers. These creatures usually inhabit different places such as cavities, old walls, crevices, and stone walls.
Their sting is very lethal and you should watch out because it can cause death especially if you are highly allergic to external compounds. Some of the side effects that you are going to experience include sweating, lowered blood pressure, swelling, breathing problems, muscle twitching, and difficult eye and neck movements. If you experience the side effects while exploring different places in Italy, then you should seek immediate medical help.
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Brown Bear
The Apennine mountains are home to some of the most dangerous bears in the world. They thrive in this region and you should look out for such creatures because they can be very dangerous. These bears usually live in isolation and they are endangered species and hence can attack humans who are interfering with their habitat. The rugged mountains create a perfect environment where these bears can thrive and they are protected by the local government because they are endangered species.
They are nocturnal creatures and you should ensure that you avoid areas that these creatures inhabit because they are very dangerous and can attack. They have a very good sense of smell. An adult bear can weigh up to 500 pounds and they are omnivorous.
Weeverfish
Many people tend to underestimate this fish, however, it is one of the most dangerous species around because it can cause severe injuries. They are often found in the Mediterranean Sea and it is the most venomous fish around. Besides, it has now moved to different parts of Europe and you will find them in the North Sea, eastern Atlantic, and the black sea. Weever fish usually thrive in mud and silt and they usually attack when they are provoked. You must avoid areas where you will find these fishes.
These fishes usually inject venom into the victim using their spines and the spines are usually 2.5 centimeters long. The venom is effective and causes severe injuries to different organs and tissues in the body. One of the most critical things that you should note is that the spines are very sharp and can penetrate some shoes. The venom usually causes crushing pain, constant palpitation, and a burning feeling in the affected region. Some of the side effects include dizziness, chills, fever, shortness of breath, and lowered blood pressure.
Eurasian lynx
This is one of the creatures that is rarely found in Italy, the Eurasian lynx is one of the most lethal animals that you should avoid during your trip to Italy. According to some reports, it was thought that it had been extinct. However, after careful research, it was roaming around the high Aosta alps. They inhabit high-altitude areas and they are very dangerous creatures that you should avoid.
The creature is often characterized by tan brown, beige fur with black spots. It is a nocturnal animal and mostly thrives in solitude. When exploring Italy, you should check out the creature in different parts of the country. Human attacks are rare, however, you should not go disturbing the animal in its wild habitat. They are very agile and have very sharp claws and teeth hence can cause damage if not death.
Cows
This might come as a surprise to many people because they cannot think of a cow being dangerous. However, in Italy, they are dangerous because you will find them roaming in the pastures in Tuscany pastures during the summer period. Since they are often enjoying the environment during the summer period then you should avoid touching them. There are heifers as well as lactating cows that are roaming in the hills grazing.
According to data 30 farmers are killed each year in the united states while handling cows. It is important to understand that cows with calves tend to be aggressive especially when you get close to their young ones. When exploring different parts of Italy then you should always be careful to avoid any kind of injuries.
European black widow spider
If you hate arachnids, then you should know the regions where you are likely to encounter them in Italy. The black widow spider is one of the spiders that you will find in the warmer climates of Italy. These spiders are easy to spot and since they have distinctive thorax and red markings you can easily see them roaming across the country. They are small and measure about 1.5 centimeters long. Nevertheless, you should not underestimate these creatures because they can cause severe injuries and organ failure. Some of the side effects of the venom from the spider include confusion, nausea, fever, and blood infections. You must seek immediate medical attention if you are attacked by the creatures.
In conclusion, Italy is an awesome destination that you should visit and when you visit the vast country you should put your safety first.
