Año de mordeduras de serpientes: tantos casos como hace mucho tiempo

A surge in snake bites has been reported in Slovenia this year, with rescue services responding to more incidents than they have seen in decades. Over the weekend and early Monday, mountain rescuers were called to two separate cases involving snake bites, marking an unusual spike in such occurrences. According to Toni Smolej, head of the Rescue Service in Radovljica, the first incident occurred when a 75-year-old man was bitten by a snake while trying to pick up a branch in a wooded area. The snake was identified as a common adder, one of three venomous species found in Slovenia. Rescuers treated him at a nearby cabin before a helicopter transported him to Ljubljana for medical care. The second case involved a young foreign hiker who claimed he had been bitten by a snake along with his colleague. Smolej noted that the situation appeared strange because both men continued their hike after being bitten and did not seek help until approximately 45 minutes later. This delay highlights the importance of immediate action following a snake bite, according to experts. Griša Planinc, an expert from the organization Kačofon, emphasized that the first step should be calling emergency medical assistance and remaining calm afterward. In Slovenia, three types of venomous snakes can be found: the common viper, the meadow viper, and the adder, which is the most widespread. The adder can be found in both lowlands and high-altitude areas. Smolej mentioned that the number of snake bites this year has exceeded usual levels, adding that the increase might be linked to weather patterns affecting snake activity. He stated that such a high number of bites in a single year has not been recorded in recent memory, possibly due to warmer temperatures encouraging greater movement among reptiles. Experts stress that snakes typically avoid confrontation and will retreat if given the chance. Smolej advised hikers to remain vocal and carry trekking poles to deter snakes without provoking them. If individuals are loud and use poles, snakes are likely to move away on their own. Planinc echoed this sentiment, explaining that snakes do not attack without reason and will only defend themselves if they feel threatened, such as when someone reaches toward their head. Following a snake bite, it is crucial to monitor symptoms such as pain, swelling, or changes in skin color. In such cases, contacting emergency services immediately is essential. Planinc warned against removing items that could restrict blood flow around the bite site, as this might hinder circulation. Additionally, he cautioned against attempting to suck out venom, as this practice can lead to further infections and tissue damage. Snake bites in Slovenia are relatively rare, but the current trend suggests a need for increased awareness and preparedness among outdoor enthusiasts. With climate conditions potentially influencing snake behavior, hikers and nature lovers are encouraged to take precautions and understand how to respond appropriately if confronted by these creatures. As the season progresses, experts anticipate continued vigilance and education efforts to ensure public safety in regions where venomous snakes reside.