danger of animals during hiking in poland

is there any danger from animals during hiking in poland in marked hiking trails ?

The greatest danger comes from animalistic car drivers. 🦏

there is a real chance that you happen upon a viper (a poisonous snake) - it typically looks like this:



(there are also more brownish and completely black varieties) - there are 3 other species of snakes in Poland that are not dangerous - in any case just careful with snakes

wild boars might be dangerous too if you have too close an encounter (those that live in the forest - there are wild boars living within the cities in Poland and they typically don't pose a threat)

vipers are usually less than 1m long (70 cm long specimens are considered big) and they are said to be 'lazy' ('lazy' doesn't mean it won't bite you if you step on it or within reach of it's fangs - it means they,unlike for example European grass snakes (which are not considered poisonous) often won't flee from you especially if they are basking in the sun)

this is means they are more dangerous actually

Moreover, they like to bask in the middle of the path followed by hikers. You have to watch your step. And you should not collect "rubber" snakes from the ground because it may turn out that they are not rubber but real.

ok - 😃
your answer is very helpful.

not poisonous (trujący) but venomous (jadowity)

and that species (vipera berus) tends to be very.... differentially distributed with large areas with no snakes and smaller areas that are infested with them.... so if you do see one... that could mean more of its little friends are around

Not really, although as posters have mentioned, watch out for snakes.

There are also ticks (a big problem in Poland) and mosquitos so read up on how best to avoid them.

The ticks and mozzies are the worst thing, that's true. The ticks in particular are a big problem in forested areas. As for boar, I've lived in a house near the forest and never saw one but saw evidence of them - they seem to be most active at night? During the day you could see where they'd been foraging and where they'd been sleeping but I think they prefer to avoid humans. That's how it seemed to me as a casual observer anyway.

They come down my street (near Kampinoski Forest) sometimes. In big groups (wild boar live in female/kids groups; adult males are solitary) snorting loudly. This only happens at night and in late winter when they're short of food. They've been photographed as far into town as Metro Młociny or even further.

It's great to see them, as long as you don't get too close.


Very much so. They start snorting since they're spooked by us. They're also quite stressed since seeing buildings roads and gardens is a long way outside their comfort zone. Like wolves, they're more afraid of us than we are of them.

Our most dangerous animals are black, walk on hind legs, and shoot kids on the way to school.

Like your daughter, except her legs are always open to paying customers.

Would you like to meet when I am in Poland?

Cruising? Already?

(had you not spammed the thread with a completely off topic post then I wouldn't have gone there but you did.... so.....)

No, just meet so I can hear the rest of your story about my daughter. We don't want to bore people here...

I don't know anything about her and I care even less.

And personally, I'd rather meet a żmija than you - at least they only strike to feed or in self-defense.... you spray venom everywhere for no reason.

You and jon are the reasons.

Interesting to know that I have that much power over you... livin' rent free in your head!

Boars in cities are also a nuisance. Such boars which try to keep to the traffic rules are a rarity.

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So do rats and cockroaches..I wouldn't live where they congregate...