PANAHON NG MGA AHAS: More snake sightings and encounters expected this rainy season – DENR CAR

Tabuk City, Kalinga – More sightings and encounters with snakes are highly likely amid the rainy season due to the flooding of snake habitats, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera warned in an advisory on Tuesday, September 2.

According to the DENR CAR, serpent visibility and encounters are expected to increase this rainy season as the reptiles look for shelter when their habitats get flooded, adding that increased in snake movements happen also as part of their breeding activity.

The DENR CAR advises the public to follow safety measures to avoid getting bitten this snake season.

SAFETY MEASURES to avoid getting bitten by snakes

The public is advised to exercise caution in flooded and vegetated areas where snakes may be seeking shelter. People are urged to use boots or other protective gears when walking through floodwaters or tall grasses.

Residents must keep their surroundings clean and uncluttered by removing piles of debris and keeping lawns and vegetation trimmed as these could serve as hiding places for snakes. The public is also advised to secure homes and structures to prevent snakes from entering their houses.

Lastly, the people are strongly advised against provoking or harming snakes and that they should maintain a safe distance from them and call authorities for the safe removal of any encountered snake in the area.

In case of a snake bike, the DENR CAR said the public should keep the victim calm; immobilize the affected limb below heart level; do not cut the wounds, apply ice nor band on the affected area; and rush the victim to the nearest hospital immediately.

“Snakes are part of our ecosystem and help control populations of smaller prey such as frogs and rodents. Let us exercise caution, maintain cleanliness, and respect wildlife during this season,” the DENR CAR wrote.

A 2022 study estimated that there are around 13,000 snake bites documented in the Philippines every year.