Tips for protecting the public from venomous snakes, particularly the blunt-nosed viper (Macrovipera lebetina) which can cause serious consequences for humans if its venom enters the body through a bite, are provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment to the public ahead of the summer period.
It advises that if someone encounters a venomous snake, they should not panic or attempt to disturb or kill the snake, but rather calmly move away.
Generally, the Ministry recommends that during the summer months when someone is outdoors, they should wear high shoes and long trousers for protection in case they step on a snake. It also suggests using a stick or pole to disturb the grass/bushes so that anything present is moved away from one’s path. It explains that snakes have the ability to perceive ground vibrations at high intensities and will leave on their own.
In the event that someone is bitten by a snake, it recommends going to the nearest hospital with as few movements as possible.
In Cyprus, as stated in the Ministry’s announcement, there are eight species of snakes, three of which are venomous, with only the blunt-nosed viper considered dangerous to humans. It adds that the remaining snake species are completely harmless to humans.
It clarifies that two species of snakes, the Montpellier snake (Malpolon insignitus) and the cat snake (Telescopus fallax), possess venom but it is not potent enough to cause serious harm to humans.
Highlighting that snakes, like many reptiles, play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance in nature, as many of them feed on and regulate populations of organisms considered harmful to humans, such as various insect and rodent species, and constitute an essential part of biodiversity and the ecosystem, the conservation of which is extremely important, it encourages the public to be informed about the snake species present in Cyprus and the appropriate response methods in case they are encountered.
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