Aesculapian snake(pol Eskulapa) - one of the most common snakes in Europe and in western Asia, can be found on some pharmacies, clinics and hospitals logos. Not many knows, that symbol of the medics is the biggest snake in Middle Europe (and also in Poland). Snake could have more than 2 meters. The biggest one had 225 cm.

Snake takes his name from the Asclepius, Greek mythological God. He was the medicine and healing patron in Greek religion. He was always presented on paintings and monuments with a snake-entwined staff. This staff with snake is called the Rod of Asclepius.

Author: Ddcfnc under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0

Aesculapian snake is not poisonous. It has no venom at all. Its menu is very differentiated: mouses, small mammals, lizards, egs, birds and other snakes - all this creatures are suffocated before swallowing by the snake. The snake is very good tree climber.

Author:solarthermienator under a Creative Commons license

Video with Aesculapian snake (with some strange subtitlies;-))

In Poland Aesculapian snake is very rare and of course under protection. It can be found in rivers valleys in the forests and glades mainly in Bieszczady Mountains.