In Croatia, poisonous snakes attack people. Residents are afraid

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Snakes are increasingly attacking the inhabitants of southern Croatia. The latest attack occurred this week when the reptile bit a woman in her own backyard. Three species of poisonous vipers live in the country and their populations are increasing.

As the Croatian daily reported on Friday “Free Dalmatia”, a 70-year-old woman was bitten by a poisonous snake in the yard of her own house near the town of Vrgorac. Even though she was wearing slippers and socks, the reptile’s teeth reached her skin and dug deep enough to inject the venom. The woman was taken to a hospital in Split, where she received an anti-venom serum.

There are more and more such attacks in this popular tourist destination. Snake populations are increasing.

A viper worse than a boar

According to the Dnevno website, this is the fourth case of a poisonous snake bite in this region recently. In southern Croatia, the population of snakes, including poisonous ones, has increased significantly. “As the number of bites increases and more snakes appear in rural areas, residents are increasingly concerned,” they wrote.

“I meet snakes regularly, in the fields and on the roads. When I go to the field, it’s rare that I don’t see two or three,” the Dalmatian farmer told the media. and added: “I think I’m more afraid than they are. I’d rather meet a wild boar or a leopard on the way.”

The neglect of fields that are less cultivated, which makes them ideal habitats for snakes, is also a problem. In addition, reptiles are less and less hunted to obtain their venom to create the serum.

Of the 15 species of snakes living in Croatia, only three are poisonous and come from the viperidae family – this is the northern (common) viper (Brush vipera), hookworm (Vipera ammodytes) and small spiny (Ursine vipers). Their bite can be fatal. All snakes in Croatia are protected.

What to do if bitten?

First of all, the most important thing is to keep calm and find out how deep the snake has bitten and whether the venom has been released. It often happens that the bite is the so-called dry if no poison was released.

Next, you need to find out if it was a poisonous snake, viper in Slovakia, and call for medical help accordingly. In the case of a non-venomous snake, the area should be cooled, and no alcohol or coffee should be consumed. In case of nausea and dizziness, also seek medical help.