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| Two pits in Albania, in the area of Dajti |
Frightened and completely disinterested in having contact with humans, snakes are considered dangerous and even aggressive. Snakes are shy and cautious, but encountering them during a walk can cause panic if you don't know how to behave, and the same applies if you get bitten.
Since we are in the middle of summer and often walk in their "territory," we have compiled a manual with eight things you need to know to better handle any encounter with a snake.
How do I know if I've encountered a snake?
It's not enough to see a snake to say that you've encountered a snake, and indeed, knowing it helps. Also, a manual written by herpetologist Giovanni Zanfei can be helpful. The most important passage is this: "Recognizing a snake at first sight may not be very simple. Unlike what is usually believed, the shape of the head and tail are not diagnostic characteristics, meaning they are not reliable for uniquely identifying a snake: the 'triangular' head and short tail can be misleading." So, don't assume that the small snake "any snake that reaches a length of one meter or exceeds it is definitely not a snake" that crossed your path was a snake; but when in doubt, behave as if it were.
Snakes are more afraid of you.
"Snakes are not aggressive, but when they encounter humans, the reactions are usually of two types: extreme immobility or, more often, sudden departure." However, it may happen that a snake encountered in a forest (whether a snake or another species) reacts differently: "Sometimes, if they are frightened or stressed, snakes may display intimidating behavior, standing a few centimeters above the ground, inflating themselves and making small strikes forward with their heads, simulating an attack." In this case, the advice is simple: move away because if they can choose between threatening and fleeing, snakes will always prefer the latter.
How not to be afraid of a snake?
The greatest risks in an encounter with a snake occur when someone reaches into the forest for mushrooms, berries, or other things, putting their hands down into the undergrowth. Or by sitting on them or accidentally stepping on them during a walk. Therefore, paying a little attention is enough to avoid disturbing a snake: never put your hands or feet in a shrub or on a rocky ground without seeing where you are placing them!
Clothing also helps. By wearing appropriate footwear (hiking boots) and long pants, the chances of getting bitten during a nature walk are significantly reduced. By paying attention to where you sit or place your hands, the risks are further reduced to almost zero.
Where can I encounter a snake?
What snakes are there in Albania?
In our country, there are several species of snakes, but the most common ones are Vipera berus, Vipera amomodytes, and Vipera ursinii, while others are rare. Snake bites usually occur during the summer season, especially in the region of Central Albania and in the north, as well as in Albanian villages on the border with Montenegro and within Albania itself.
What if I get bitten by a snake?
Being bitten by a snake is painful but very rarely fatal. In case of an accident, the most appropriate thing to do is not to lose patience but to call 112. Report the incident, and if help can easily reach the injured person, wait for assistance on-site, following the indications. One thing to keep in mind is that snakes often do not inject venom but bite "dry," and the amount of venom injected is often not significant. The greatest risks from a snakebite are for children, the elderly, and those who are sensitive or allergic to venom.
What should I do while waiting for help?
After calling 112 and waiting for assistance, there are several actions that can be taken and also some that should be avoided at all costs.
Regarding the first aid:
► Rinse the wound with fresh water or disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide if possible.
► Apply light pressure to the bitten area and place a light bandage.
► Remove jewelry, watches, and bracelets, and for dogs, remove their leash.
► Calm the bite victim and keep them hydrated, monitor the situation, and wait for help or go to the nearest medical institution.
What should I not do?
Anything that is not recommended should be avoided automatically. Following the instructions in steps 6 and 7 is the best thing to do.
Some particularly harmful behaviors are:
► Irritation and excessive movement.
► Consumption of alcohol or substances that can lead to vasodilation, which causes the venom to spread more quickly.
► Cutting the wound and sucking out the venom.
► Applying unequal or overly tight tourniquets.
► Using anti-viper serum. If necessary, it will be administered at the hospital (where treatment is likely to be based on cortisone).
► In general, do not improvise!