Snake FinderField Guide · Worldwide

Viperidae

Persian Horned Viper

Venomous

Pseudocerastes persicus

Persian Horned Viper
Pseudocerastes persicus, © Mohammad Amin Ghaffari
Persian Horned Viper

2 photographs of the Persian Horned Viper. © Mohammad Amin Ghaffari.

The Persian Horned Viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 7 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Viperidae
Danger
high

About the Persian Horned Viper

Pseudocerastes is a genus of vipers endemic to the Middle East and Asia. It was originally created as a monotypic genus in 1896 by Boulenger for the species Pseudocerastes persicus, but three species are now recognised: the spider-tailed horned viper ; Persian horned viper and Field's horned viper. Like all other vipers, the members of this genus are venomous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Persian Horned Viper

Is the Persian Horned Viper venomous?
Yes. The Persian Horned Viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Persian Horned Viper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Persian Horned Viper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Persian Horned Viper dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Persian Horned Viper live?
The Persian Horned Viper has verified records in 7 countries, including Iran (Islamic Republic of), Pakistan, Israel. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Persian Horned Viper

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Iran (Islamic Republic of)PakistanIsraelUnited Arab EmiratesOmanSaudi ArabiaIraq

More Viperidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Viperidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Pseudocerastes
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Pseudocerastes persicus

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.