Now that the weather is getting cooler, walks in Malta's greener areas become all the more welcoming, but recent snake sightings across the island have left many slightly scared of venturing out into the countryside.

Snakes generally slither out in warm weather but despite hitting autumn, the current climate permits their outings. This is one particularly spooky specimen sighted in recent days, stretched out to over a metre when uncoiled. 

Later classified as a Western Whip Snake, this serpent is a non-venomous reptile, but it is not afraid of whipping out a painful bite or two if provoked.

Another sighting in the San Gwann area shows an equally lengthy specimen slithering around at night. While some expressed concern at the sight of its raised tail - fearing a rattlesnake - it was later confirmed as a cat snake. Should you worry? Perhaps not... even though this is a venomous creature, its fangs are located at the back of the mouth, and are rarely able to inject venom in defensive bites, should you get too close.

There is a total of four indigenous snakes in Malta, and unfortunately all are listed as endangered species. While none are mortally harmful to a human, they are prone to striking when faced with provocation, so your safest bet for both you and the reptile is to steer clear of it when spotted. That is, unless the animal you spot is an escaped pet cobra, in which case, god speed! Pull up your skirts, run for the hills and call an animal protection group.