In the Directorate of the protected areas of the Leningrad region taught residents to distinguish a viper from a legless lizard

In September, snakes do not hibernate. In warm and sunny weather, they remain active, so caution should be exercised during forest walks and be sure to inform children about this. About how to protect yourself, and also to distinguish the viper from another inconspicuous in the foliage of the reptile, told in the press service of the Directorate of specially protected natural territories of the Leningrad region.

In the Leningrad region you can find only one poisonous snake - an ordinary viper. In addition, here you can often see the ordinary, which does not pose a danger to humans.

The viper can be found in a wide variety of places, including areas near ecotropes, especially if you deviate from the main route. This snake is cautious and usually avoids contact with people. However, it can bite in self-defense if it is accidentally touched, tried to grab, or caught.

Management staff warn: be especially careful on overgrown logging and in places with high grass. For walks in the forest, it is better to wear closed shoes, such as rubber boots. In thick grass, a stick can be used to gently push the plants apart.

What to do if a snake bite occurs?

It is important to remain calm and not make sudden movements. A sterile bandage must be applied to the affected area. If the snake bites in the arm, you should remove the rings, watches and bracelets, as swelling can rapidly increase.

The victim should be given water in small sips. Medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible. It is important not to postpone a visit to the doctor if the child is bitten.

“Do not apply a tourniquet, do not cauterize or cut the site of the bite, do not try to squeeze or suck the poison, do not use questionable folk remedies and do not drink alcohol,” the experts warn.

In the photo from the management of PAs, not a snake is captured, but a brittle spindle. Although its body looks like a snake and has no legs, it is a lizard and does not pose a threat to humans. In case of danger, the spindle can shed its tail, which will then grow back.

Seeing a snake, it is better not to try to touch it, but to step aside and let it hide on its own.

“In the September forest, you should be careful. But you do not need to be afraid of every rustle - it is much more useful to know its inhabitants and behave correctly when meeting, the directorate recalled.