Bern Zoo Welcomes Spider-Tailed Horned Vipers, a Rare and Unique Species

The Bern Zoo in Switzerland has added several spider-tailed horned vipers (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) to its collection, offering the public a rare glimpse at a venomous snake known for its unusual hunting strategy. The zoo announced the arrival on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

A Unique Hunting Strategy: Aggressive Mimicry

What sets the spider-tailed horned viper apart is its distinctive tail. The complete of the tail features branched skin processes that resemble a spider. The snake uses this remarkable adaptation to lure prey. Lying motionless, it moves its tail, mimicking a crawling spider to attract insectivorous birds within striking range. Wikipedia

Habitat and Conservation Status

The spider-tailed horned viper is native to the hot, dry mountainous regions of western Iran and the border region with Iraq. Wikipedia The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists the species as “Near Threatened,” indicating a potential risk of endangerment. Wikipedia

A Relatively Recent Discovery

While a specimen was initially collected in 1968, the spider-tailed horned viper wasn’t formally described as a distinct species until 2006. Wikipedia Researchers initially attributed the unusual tail tip to a parasite, deformity, or tumor.

Bern Zoo’s Role in Conservation

The Bern Zoo is one of the few zoos worldwide that currently houses this rare species, contributing to its conservation and providing opportunities for research and public education. Tierpark Bern

Learn More

For more information about the animals at the Bern Zoo, visit the Zoo Encyclopedia.