Snakes typically inhabit damp areas, preferring humid climates. They reside in quiet areas undisturbed by natural predators or humans, such as hiding in trees, shrubs, tall grass and deserted places. During the rainy season, when it rains, or the weather is warmer than usual, snakes seek warm places to increase their body temperature, such as the kitchen, under the refrigerator or roof.
Snakes commonly found in communities, especially in Bangkok, Bang Khen District, Chatuchak, Suan Luang, Bang Khun Thian, Bueng Kum, and perimeter, include venomous snakes such as Cobras, Green Pit Vipers and non-venomous snakes such as Pythons, Golden Tree Snakes, Indochinese Rat Snakes. Recently, there have been more news reports of snakes entering homes. According to statistics from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in 2014, there were 16,920 reported snake incidents in Bangkok. In 2015, the number increased to 24,559 incidents. In 2016, it rose to 29,919 incidents. From January to May 2017, 10,246 incidents were reported. In 2018, there were a total of 37,241 incidents reported (Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation).
The central region of Thailand has lowland topography and fertile land suitable for agriculture. Combined with abundant underground cavities, it is conducive to snake habitats. However, with the expansion of human communities and the transformation of land to accommodate human habitation, natural habitats and hiding places for snakes and their food sources decreased. As a result, snakes have had to adapt to the changing environment for survival, such as residing in cavities, cracks in buildings, and corners of houses and finding food within communities. Various human activities, including food preparation, waste from fresh markets, and consumption are the main factors attracting the prey of snakes, such as rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects into communities and leading to an increase in snake encounters and a rising trend in their population every year.
Snakes are often perceived as dangerous and harmful to humans and domestic animals. However, snakes generally fear humans and other animals, so they hide and avoid confrontation. Encountering snakes are usually accidental, and snakes will only bite or attack as a defensive measure when they feel threatened or provoked. It is common to see snakes in residential areas, communities, farms, and gardens. If no professional assistance is available to remove the snakes from the site, there is a high chance that those snakes may end up being killed, regardless of whether they are venomous or non-venomous. In the ecosystem, snakes help control the population of various animals, which contributes to maintaining a balanced ecosystem, particularly rodents, which are reservoirs and agricultural pests. Therefore, the potential consequences of reducing the snake population include ecological imbalance and an increased risk of disease outbreaks such as leptospirosis, plague, scrub typhus, and crop damage caused by pests.
What should you do when you meet the snake?
Snakes are animals with poor eyesight and color blindness. Therefore, snakes choose to bite things that are in motion. The most important thing when encountering a snake is to stay calm, stay still as much as possible, and maintain distance, both for yourself and for pets, especially dogs and cats. Keep the snake confined to an enclosed area to prevent it from escaping, using a large container or cage to contain the snake. If you are close to the snake, slowly and gradually move back to far from the snake bite distance or maintain a safe distance approximately the length of the snake’s body. In the event of a snake bite, taking pictures or memorizing the snake’s characteristics as much as possible for treatment purposes is beneficial. Then, contact specialized staff such as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation or volunteer rescuers to safely capture the snake for the safety of both humans and animals.
What should you do when bitten by the snake?
Proper first aid can help reduce the risk of organ or life loss for individuals who were bitten by a snake . When the injury occurs, it is important to minimize movement because snake venom interacts with the heart rate. Therefore, you should stay calm and alleviate anxiety to prevent the heart from pumping blood too quickly. Remove any jewelry or clothing that may constrict the area where the snake bite occurred. Wash the wound immediately with clean water and soap or saline solution. Use a cloth or elastic bandage to wrap around the bitten area by continuously covering the entire organ or extending above the wound as much as possible. Then immobilize the affected organ with a splint to prevent movement and promptly transport the patient to the hospital.
How to prevent snake encounters?
If the increasing presence of snakes in homes and communities is due to their search for shelter, habitat, and food, the best prevention is maintaining cleanliness in residential areas. Eliminate garbage that serves as a food source for rodents. Eliminate water sources where amphibians such as frogs may lay eggs. Control insects that attract geckos, providing habitat for snakes. Keep the living area organized consistently to reduce dark corners where snakes can hide. Fill in and seal any gaps in buildings and close drainage pipes. Sufficient lighting can help reduce moisture, remove hiding snakes, and detect venomous animals or abnormal conditions in the living area. Observe and be cautious before using places such as bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, and use stick tapping on objects before going into areas with bushes, trees, tall grass, or high-risk sites. Tap the shoes before wearing them can help prevent dangers from snakes and venomous animals.
Ultimately, understanding the behavior and nature of snakes can help reduce injuries and losses for ourselves, our pets, and the snakes themselves.
Reference
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Tatiyanuch Chamsai
Research officer, The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE)