The Cyprus Herpetological Team is receiving dozens of calls as warmer weather brings increased snake activity in residential areas, with experts advising against panic and emphasising the ecological importance of these often misunderstood reptiles.
The organisation, led by environmentalist and reptile caretaker Andreas Kouridis and biology educator Daniel Kouridis, is reminding the public of proper procedures when encountering snakes in natural or residential settings.
“Due to prejudices and fears created by our ancestors about snakes, panic is most people’s first reaction when they see a snake, followed by attempts to kill it,” Daniel Kouridis told Phileleftheros, noting that despite technological advancement and educational opportunities, false myths continue to influence public reactions.
Snakes never attack humans unprovoked, according to Andreas Kouridis, who explained that as secretive animals, they will flee when they sense human presence unless they feel directly threatened at close range.
Experts recommend leaving snakes undisturbed when encountered in natural settings and moving away calmly. For areas with tall vegetation and limited visibility, they advise wearing high shoes and using a stick to disturb vegetation ahead to allow snakes time to retreat.
When snakes enter homes or yards, residents should immediately contact the Cyprus Herpetological Group at 99-160847 or 99-554801, or the Fire Service, rather than attempting to kill them.
In case of snakebite, Daniel Kouridis explains that non-venomous snake bites leave an oval-shaped red mark requiring only disinfection, while venomous bites from blunt-nosed vipers (fina) show one or two small puncture holes. Viper bite victims should remain calm and proceed to the nearest hospital without panic, as they typically have 4-8 hours before serious symptoms develop.
The experts stressed that snakes play a crucial role in ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations. A single snake can consume up to 1,000 rodents during its lifetime, they note, adding that removing even one snake from an ecosystem can trigger significant imbalances as rodent populations multiply exponentially.
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