Aesculapian_Snake_Head

Near where I live is a small group of aesculapian snakes.
They are confiding snakes and so it it easy to watch these reptiles and make fotos of them.
Sadly they are going to die out, because they don't find enough natural habitat.


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.