01.06.2026 09:51
Two nature enthusiasts who went to the mountains to collect rhubarb and mushrooms in the Durankaya district of Hakkari encountered a giant snake at an elevation of 2,700 meters. The snake, spotted in a rocky area, is believed to be a blunt-nosed viper, considered among Turkey's most venomous species. While the footage drew attention, experts warned citizens heading to plateaus and rural areas during the summer months to be cautious in rocky and grassy regions.
Two citizens who went out into nature in the Durankaya district of Hakkari encountered a giant snake in a rocky area. The snake, assessed to be a blunt-nosed viper, which is considered among Turkey's most venomous snake species, was recorded with a mobile phone camera.
THEY ENCOUNTERED IT WHILE COLLECTING RHUBARB AND MUSHROOMS
The incident occurred in the Pınarbaşı region of the Durankaya district of Hakkari. Nature enthusiasts Ferhat Reisoğlu and Cangir Ayva noticed a large snake among the rocks in a mountainous area at an altitude of approximately 2,700 meters, where they had gone to collect rhubarb and mushrooms.
After observing the snake for a while, the duo managed to capture footage from a safe distance.
ASSESSED TO BE A BLUNT-NOSED VIPER
Due to the body structure and size of the snake in the footage, it was assessed to be a blunt-nosed viper. The snake, which was sunbathing in the rocky area, disappeared after a while, and the nature enthusiasts left the area.
The blunt-nosed viper, considered among Turkey's most potent venomous snake species, typically inhabits stony and rocky areas.
WARNING FROM EXPERTS
The blunt-nosed viper, commonly seen in the Eastern Anatolia Region, had been previously spotted many times in Hakkari. Experts state that citizens venturing into plateaus and rural areas, especially in the summer months, should be more cautious in rocky and grassy regions.