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Like any other snake viper slough off as long as they are still growing – and that means continuously. However the intervals between the successive sloughing processes usually become
longer but naturally the growth is also dependant on the frequency of food intake.
A significant sign for the start is the preceding, apparently "becoming darker" colouring of the complete scaling, followed or accompanied by a milky to bluish discolouring
of the retina. Only a few days before the actual sloughing the eyes become clearer again and the colours richer. Only then the viper sheds the horny epidermis which had been softened by lymph liquid in the meantime. Healthy
animals start shedding their skin at the head and usually slough in one piece – even "horns" are included.
Until today in Greece the sloughing of the snake is a symbol for rebirth , eternal youth and immortality. That is why in some regions of Greece people like to carry a piece of snake
skin with them as a lucky charm.
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