American hiker in French Alps hospitalised after snake bite
The tourist was thought to be bitten by an asp viper during trek in Vercors mountain range
An asp viper seen near Geneva, Switzerland, last year... Asp vipers can have different markings, with the US hiker probably bitten by a red and black one.
2025 F.Demonsant/Shutterstock.
An American hiker has been hospitalised after being bitten by a snake – possibly an asp viper - while trekking with friends in the Vercors mountain range in Isère.
The 37-year-old man was hiking in the range on Wednesday with two other American tourists when he was bitten by a red and black snake.
Following the bite, the hiker had a severe reaction, prompting his friends to immediately contact emergency services. A team from the CRS Alpes (the mountain rescue unit) and a doctor from the SAMU (emergency medical service) were dispatched to the scene, where they found the hiker unconscious.
He was swiftly airlifted to Grenoble University Hospital and admitted to the trauma unit, Le Dauphiné Libéré reported. There have been no further updates on his condition.
The Connexion spoke to Jean Andrieux, a park ranger for the Vercors Natural Park, who confirmed the incident, adding that although the snake species involved in the incident has not been identified the hiker was probably bitten by an asp viper, which can be red and black.
“In France, in the Vercors massif, there are more than ten species of snakes. Some are quite common, others are rare. There is one species of viper among the four species found in France. That is the asp viper,” said Mr Andrieux.
He added that while the snake is a relatively common species in the Vercors massif, it is becoming increasingly rare both locally and nationally, and is now considered a threatened species.
Asp vipers are quite small, with adults usually 60 to 70cm in length. They can be identified by their triangular head and small pointed tail, with dark markings that can appear as crisscross bands or blotches. Their coloration varies from grey to reddish brown, although some individuals are entirely black.
How serious are their bites?
According to Mr Andrieux, viper bites are rare. Moreover, the severity of the reaction or danger to humans is generally quite low.
“Most bites are what we call ‘dry bites,’ meaning the viper bites but does not inject venom. It is a defensive reaction — it is scared, it bites, but does not release venom.”
That is the case for most bites. Even in cases where venom is actually injected, effective antivenoms are available in France.
The main risk arises if the person is allergic to the venom, which can lead to a rapid deterioration in health.
Two years ago, for example, a tourist in south-west France was left in a critical condition after going into anaphylactic shock when an asp viper bit him while he was taking a nap outside.
Mr Andrieux noted however that deaths from snake bites in France average fewer than one per year.
What to do if you encounter a snake
“What is also important to know is that a snake will never attack a hiker on its own,” Mr Andrieux stated.
“A snake does not attack people. It only bites in self-defense, for example if it is touched or accidentally stepped on.”
The main risk therefore comes from touching or handling a snake. Even using a walking stick can provoke a defensive reaction and trigger a bite.
“If you encounter a snake, the best thing to do is to go around it at a safe distance and continue on your way,” he said.
Additionally, if someone screams or makes a sudden movement when encountering a snake, it is generally not a problem, as the snake will likely simply move away.
Snakes are very sensitive to ground vibrations. So when you walk, especially in groups, they often flee before you even see them.
“If you feel uncomfortable, you can stamp your foot on the ground; that allows the snake to detect you and move away,” Mr Andrieux said.
Snakes are more likely to be found on sunny days, when they come out to warm themselves and lie in exposed areas.
What to do if an accident happens
If you or someone in your group is bitten, the best course of action is to remain still, stay where you are, and call emergency services. They will take care of the person and administer antivenom as quickly as possible.
In France all snake species are protected. This means that even if people dislike or fear them, it is strictly forbidden to kill or relocate them.
Killing a snake in France risks a €150,000 fine and three years in prison, regardless of the species.
