“These males would have been combatting and they become oblivious of their surroundings. This and irresponsible drivers speeding is a bad combination for the survival of the snake species.”

The mating season for the western whip snake begins in May, with males engaging in violent fights during this time to win over the female snakes. In June or July, females are expected to lay between five and fifteen eggs in small crevices that receive some sunlight. Six to eight weeks later, these eggs will hatch.

Earlier in the day, MRU posted footage of two whip snakes engaging in a fight over a female snake.

Following the heartbreaking announcement and equally heart-wrenching pictures of the scene, the NGO urged the Mellieħa local council “to put speed bumps on Prejjet Road from the viewpoint above Manikata down to Anchor Bay.”

“Not only should this be done for the many pedestrians who walk along the narrow road, but mainly for the survival of the wildlife crossing, such as hedgehogs, snakes and lizards,” the Rangers wrote, adding that “this is an urgent plea which we hope is seen to, so that wildlife will be safeguarded.”

The NGO then turned to the drivers, urging them to “slow down” when driving “along country lanes.”

The whip snake, known as “Is-Serp l-Iswed” in Maltese, which literally translates to “the black snake,” is Malta’s biggest snake, being able to grow to about two metres.

This particular type of snake is not only the largest species in Malta, but it is also the most common of four different species on the islands. Like all of Malta’s reptiles, the western whip snake is legally protected. It suffers from habitat loss and has been safeguarded by legislation since at least 1992.

Lovin Malta reached out to Maltese Naturalist Arnold Sciberras who said, “Unfortunately, I’ve seen this many times in Majjistral Park. It’s a shame because it should be a natural park. The roads should be tightened. There should be laws put into place which do not allow drivers to speed up in the vicinity.”

“This is not just with regards to snakes, but it is also relevant to other species, such as hedgehogs and lizards,” he said.

Sciberras explained that while “most people do this unintentionally, because they drive like crazy, there have been cases where people intentionally stepped on or ran over these animals.”

“This is not just illegal, but pure cruelty, and we need enforcement and education,” the naturalist remarked.

“We have rangers that are really doing their best but unfortunately, they cannot push the law further because they have no authority, but all they can do is report to the police. I think it’s about time the green wardens have the necessary authority to hand out fines and take people to court.”

“Cominotto has a similar issue. I see dead lizards everywhere. Something really needs to be done.”

Do you think more should be done to protect Malta’s wildlife?