One of 20 poisonous snakes in Israel and nearby countries. It is also called a cockatrice and a viper. True vipers (genus Cerastes, Echis colorata, and Vipera palestina) also exist there. They are poisonous snakes. These snakes have special hollow teeth called fangs that move into position when they bite. The horned viper (Cerastes hasselquistii) can attack horses. It is 30 to 46 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) long. It often hides in the sand, showing only its eyes and the horn-like bumps on its head.
Both Jesus and John the Baptist referred to the viper several times (Matthew 3:7; 12:34; 23:33). The reference in Acts 28:3 likely refers to a small, aggressive viper (Vipera aspis) that strikes quickly. It is found in southern Europe and hisses each time it inhales and exhales. The poison of vipers attacks lung function and destroys red blood cells.