How not to become a snakebite victim

As throughout Southeast Asia, Thailand is home to a great variety of snakes, so disliked by the vast majority of mankind. A line from a Vysotsky song comes to mind: "Snakes, snakes all around, be empty...". And they are around indeed: there are about two hundred species of them in the country. This figure alone can inspire fear. Especially when you consider that the bites of some of them are deadly.  Content:

However, do not be so frightened - snakes in Thailand bite rarely, and poisonous less than half of the species - only about 70, with 30 of them inhabiting the sea depths. In general, to be honest to the end, you have very little chance to meet a snake in Thailand, especially if you are going to spend the whole vacation in the hotel and on the beach.

If you prefer walking through the wild jungle, your chances increase several times. You should keep in mind that reptiles are most active at night and especially during the rainy season in Thailand, during which time they should be especially wary.

Sea snakes

There are three dozen species of sea snakes in Thailand. Although the number is impressive and the fact that they can swim up to you in the water is terrifying, there is nothing to be afraid of. Sea snakes in Thailand are conditionally poisonous - although they are dangerous, but not for humans, because they have poisonous teeth deep in the mouth. You can see what sea snakes look like in the photo.

▣

Yellow-throated Flattail.

▣

Bicolor Pelamidae.

Poisonous and most dangerous snakes

Thailand's snakes live in forests and fields, occasionally crawling into populated areas in hopes of hunting rodents. Be careful near palm trees and thatched parts of various structures - reptiles may be there.

The most dangerous snakes you risk encountering in Thailand are aspids: cobras and kraitas. If a snake bite is not treated in time, in half the cases the victim may die. The venom causes swelling and suffocation. Look at the photo and remember these snakes.

▣

The Aspid is a snake or a devil

Kreit ranks second among the twenty most venomous snakes on the planet.

You should also be wary of the Malayan Shieldmonger and the chain viper. You can see these reptiles in the photo. Their venom causes swelling and necrosis, most cases are also fatal. The victim develops blood clots and any organ can be affected by the blockage.

▣

The Malayan shieldmaiden is a little killer.

▣

Chain Viper.

There are two other species of snakes, less venomous than the previous ones, but on their account also are numbered dead: they are the decorated aspids and koufis. You should also be wary of the famous King Cobra, shown in the photo. Its venom spreads very quickly, and help will be effective only for 10-15 minutes.

▣

The king cobra is a snake killer.

The snakes that you may encounter in Thailand, and the danger of which you may underestimate, are pythons. We have long been accustomed to being photographed with these powerful snakes and sometimes consider them harmless. However, this is not the case. Very often, near water or in the flat forests of Thailand, you may well encounter a reticulated python. It is not poisonous, but it is aggressive. The reptile can reach up to four meters in length, and its powerful musculature is quite capable of harming you.

▣

Mesh Python.

The tiger python (aka Burmese python) is even longer, up to seven meters. It inhabits grassy meadows and is peaceful and pastoral itself. In principle, the snake is not aggressive, you can be afraid only because of its size.

▣

Tiger Python.

How to avoid a bite

How can we protect ourselves from snakes? To begin with, it's worth remembering that they are defending themselves against us. Snakes in Thailand very rarely attack first, and certainly not without reason. Why do they need you? You're not a mouse, you can't be swallowed. But if you are unlucky enough to frighten or step on a snake, you may well get bitten.

When walking, wear tight clothing and good shoes to help you avoid being bitten by a snake. When you encounter a snake, don't make any sudden movements and certainly don't try to kill it if you're not sure you can.

At the hotel or bungalow, call the facility staff-they probably know how to disarm the animal. As you step back, keep your eyes on the reptile. Never turn your back or try to run.

If you go at night - light your way with a flashlight, we have already mentioned that snakes are active at night. Do not sit on stumps and fallen tree trunks - this is a favorite habitat of reptiles. If you were bitten by a snake - remember its appearance and quickly go to the nearest medical facility, where you can get an antidote.

To avoid becoming a snakebite victim, it's worth it:

1. Choose the right clothes for the walk;
2. Trust the good hotel and beach;
3. Do not panic when encountering a reptile;
4. If you have been bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

In conclusion, we can tell you the following. If you are not afraid of snakes and have even the slightest interest in them, you will probably like shows at snake farms. Or snake bags, that's how you understand love. Both, you can easily find in Thailand.