Nineteen slow worms, initially mistaken for venomous vipers, were recently rescued from a water meter chamber in southern Poland. The wildlife rehabilitation centre Leśne Pogotowie responded to a report of venomous snakes, only to discover the non-venomous legless lizards seeking refuge from the cold weather.
The underground chamber offered a cool, damp environment ideal for the slow worms' winter torpor, also providing protection from freezing temperatures. However, the smooth, vertical concrete walls that allowed them to descend easily also prevented them from climbing back to the surface.
Following their rescue, the slow worms could not be immediately released back into nature. Given that the reptiles were already in a state of winter torpor, releasing them into cold conditions would have left them with insufficient time to locate a new shelter. Consequently, they were transported to an animal rehabilitation shelter.
At the centre, the slow worms will be provided with stable, low temperatures to ensure they can complete their hibernation without unnecessary waking. They are expected to be returned to the wild in spring, once temperatures are sufficiently high.
Slow worms, with their serpentine appearance, are frequently confused with snakes, but they are, in fact, legless lizards. These creatures are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. They are considered beneficial garden residents, as their diet consists of snails, earthworms, and other small invertebrates.
Poland is home to two species of slow worms: the common slow worm and the eastern slow worm. While very similar, they can be distinguished by differences in the structure and arrangement of their scales. Many male eastern slow worms are identifiable by characteristic blue spots on their backs. These species are predominantly found in the south-eastern region of Poland.
