What is a "horned viper"?

A horned viper, also known as the cerastes or cerastes horned viper, is a venomous snake found in desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East. It is named for the distinctive horn-like scales above its eyes. With a stocky body and a length averaging around 2 to 3 feet, the horned viper is well adapted to its arid habitat. It has excellent camouflage, blending in with the sand and rocks. This snake is known for its characteristic sidewinding movement, which allows it to navigate the loose desert sands efficiently. It possesses long, hollow fangs that it uses to inject venom into its prey, which mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and lizards. While encounters with humans are rare, the horned viper should be approached with caution due to its venomous nature.