They emerged as the weather warmed up: Expert statement on snakes

With the increase in summer temperatures, snakes waking up from hibernation have begun to emerge into nature. The fact that snakes, which have difficulty finding food because their habitats have shrunk, are being seen in many parts of the city has caused anxiety among citizens.

Cüneyt Özer, Responsible Manager of the Kocaeli University Experimental Medicine Research Unit and General Secretary of the Kocaeli Chamber of Veterinarians, stated that snakes are carnivorous reptiles and provided information that they are found everywhere in the world except Antarctica and most islands.

Stating that there are 520 genera and over 3,900 snake species worldwide, Özer said, "They range in size from 10 centimeters to 7-8 meters. There are nearly 47 snake species in Turkey as well."

"A NORMAL SITUATION"

Cüneyt Özer said that snakes in Kocaeli, which woke up from hibernation with the warming of the weather, have now started to come out of their nests, adding, "They have started to mate, reproduce, and feed in nature. This is a perfectly normal situation. There is nothing to be afraid of."

"WHEN THEY ENCOUNTER A BITE CASE, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE..."

Warning citizens to be careful while walking in wooded areas and in nature, Özer said, "When they encounter a bite case, they should apply to a health institution as soon as possible. One reason why snakes are intertwined with humans in nature is this: the fact that we have entered their habitat by building structures in forests or lands that were previously their living spaces is one of the factors that causes us to encounter snakes more frequently."

"KILLING SNAKES IS NOT THE RIGHT BEHAVIOR EITHER"

Cüneyt Özer, Responsible Manager of the Kocaeli University Experimental Medicine Research Unit, concluded his words as follows:
"Snakes also exhibit certain behaviors to feed. We encounter snakes that want to reach milk, water, and food more often. At the same time, the reason they enter houses is not food left in the open. I don't think that's the case. Killing snakes is not the right behavior either. We should apply to the necessary institutions and request assistance."

News Source: İHA