To explain this phenomenon, experts from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources said that research and specific information are still needed. Only localities can give an accurate answer. However, experts have made some guesses such as: this year’s warm weather is a favorable factor for snakes to breed (snakes often mate). breed around March-May from August to November); possibly due to more abundant food sources and suitable habitat, which stimulates the growth of green snakes, especially in residential areas along the forest edge. .
Meanwhile, Vietnam is a country with a wide variety of snake species There are currently 22 species of green snakes in the Viperidae family. Particularly, the group of green snakes (of the genus Trimeresurus) has 8 species, the most common species being the white-edged green snake (also known as the red-tailed green snake). Trimeresurus albolabris).
Viper identification
Viper species have a short upper jaw with 2 large poisonous hooks in front of the jaw with a tube venom duct communicates with the poison gland. The snake’s triangular head is covered entirely with small scales or mixed with large scales, clearly distinguishing it from the neck. Most species have a cheek fossa intermediate between the eye and nose. The cheek pits have a heat-sensing function, thanks to which snakes recognize warm-blooded prey (birds and animals) near them.
Snake about 40-65 cm long, green back, sometimes with faint white streaks across the body, both sides with white stripes close to the belly (this stripe usually absent or very faint in females) the tip of the tail is often purple (so called red-tailed viper).
Vipers usually live on the ground or in trees (the body clings and the tail curls into tree branches to hang on to stalk prey) and usually does not actively attack people.
On-site prevention and first aid for snake bites
With the recent appearance of many vipers, many people who have been bitten have had to be hospitalized, causing anxiety. For the people, scientists and experts give some advice to prevent snake bites as follows:
Viper snakes usually live on bushes on the edge of upland forests or people’s gardens and can crawl on the ground when moving. Therefore, to avoid snakes from entering the house, it is necessary to clear the bushes and vines around the house. Due to rit is common to operate at night. If you travel at night, you need a flashlight to illuminate both sides of the path to promptly detect snakes. on the side of the road. In case of going into the forest, you need to wear boots. Catching snakes requires tools (sticks with leather gloves)
According to the agency’s recommendations According to health authorities, viper venom often affects the circulatory system, causing blood clotting disorders, swelling or necrosis. Viper venom usually does not affect the nervous system like snake venom in the cobra and scorpion group, so it does not cause paralysis. If you are unfortunately bitten by a snake, you need to limit movement as much as possible because movement will speed up the impact of the venom on other parts of the body. When bitten, the patient should be taken to the nearest medical facility for examination and injection of anti-poison serum. Currently in Vietnam there is anti-venom serum for green green snakes.
For snakes You should not incise the wound because it can cause acute blood loss. It’s best to catch the biting animal and bring it to the hospital so the doctor can determine the correct type of serum to use. When giving first aid to a person bitten by a viper, you should not use a tourniquet with a rubber band (it can easily cause necrosis due to lack of blood supply to the part of the body below the tourniquet).
Experts also recommend that each snake inject only a portion of its venom during each bite so it can continue to cause damage after the first bite. Therefore, even if the snake is dead, even if the snake’s head is severed, it can still bite and release venom reflexively for up to 90 minutes after death.
Pham Thanh
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