The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a recent statement that the period from spring to early winter is when snakes are most active, advising the public how to avoid snake bites.
Snakes generally strike a defensive pose to bluff when threatened, but, the statement noted, they rarely initiate attacks.
The statement pointed out that if snake encounters occur, one should remain calm, avoid sudden movements or actions to drive the snake away, and instead leave silently.
The statement said that snakes like to live in places such as tree branches, dense bushes, mangrove swamps, cracks in rocks, places that are dark and humid, such as ditches or sewers.
Members of the public are urged to avoid entering bushes and refrain from putting their hands or feet into gaps or caves, the statement warned, and to use a hiking stick, if necessary, when exploring places where snake activity is suspected.
Paying attention to one’s outfit, the statement underlined, can also prevent snake bites. Suggestions include wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes, trousers or protective outdoor gear, and avoid wearing sandals.
If bitten, the statement said, one should remain calm and maintain a distance from the snake to prevent repeated bites. A snakebite victim should also record the time that they were bitten and the snake’s appearance, and avoid vigorous movements and to slow down to reduce the heart rate and blood flow.
The statement added that one should not attempt to capture, hit or kill the snake that attacked.
The statement noted that those accompanying a person bitten by a snake should seek help immediately and dial 999 for assistance. One can clean the wound with soap and water, but should not use one’s mouth to suck the venom, or use alcohol.
Snakes are generally scared of people, the statement pointed out, with biting only occurring as self-defence. The bureau urged people to “respect and conserve nature, and give wild animals space to live”.
This image provided by IAM last week shows how to deal with snakes and their bites.
