Aesculapian_Snake_Body

Here is another picture of the same snake. These animals are so beautiful! And they can become really big! (This exemplar was nearly 1,50m long.)


Facts:
The Aesculapian Snake (Elaphe longissima or Zamenis longissimus) is a snake native to Europe.
It is common in the Loire Valley region of France, as well as in the Bieszczady Mountains and Beskidy Mountains in Poland.
The species is also found in some places of Austria and Germany where Roman temples of healing were established.
However, facing extinction.

History:
The Aesculapian Snake is associated with Greek Mythology and Medical History. It is said that the staff of Aesculapius has Elaphe longissima coiled around it. It appears on the medical symbol, the Rod of Asclepius.