Читать книгу Walking in Italy's Stelvio National Park. Italy's largest alpine national park онлайн

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Alpine marmots colonise the grass-rock terrain

Sightings of the brown bear have increased significantly in the area over the last few years. They wander into the Stelvio from neighbouring alpine regions in search of food, often causing alarm in villages where people are no longer used to their presence. To date, however, there is no evidence they have actually taken up residence in the park.

The common viper has a distinct diamond pattern on its back

There is a fair chance you may encounter a viper on paths, as these cold-blooded reptiles need to sun themselves. With a light grey-brown body and triangular head, the snakes grow to around 70–80cm long and can be distinguished by the elegant markings on their back: diamond-patterned in the case of the common viper (Vipera berus) or dark streaks for the rarer asp viper (Vipera aspis). They live on small rodents, which they swallow whole and take time digesting. Timid creatures, they will flee if surprised and only attack out of self-defence, so give them time to slither away as they will probably be lethargic. While their bite does contain venom, this is rarely fatal to humans (small children and the elderly are most at risk). In the unlikely event that someone is bitten, seek help immediately and keep the victim still and calm. Learn to identify a viper and distinguish it from non-venomous snakes.