"Snake!" Increasing Screams in the City... "The Cause Is Ultimately People"

"Increase in Food Waste Leads to Rise in Rodents and Snakes"
In Case of Encountering Snakes, Avoid Threatening and Evacuate

As incidents of snakes appearing in urban areas such as Seoul's Hangang Park increase, citizens' concerns are growing.

On the 15th, a 1-meter-long venomous snake called "Yuhyeolmogi" was spotted in an apartment complex in Mapo-gu, Seoul. One of the children playing in the complex after school recognized it as a venomous snake and reported it to 119, preventing any casualties.

"Food waste dumping → Increase in rodent population → Expansion of predator snakes"

This photo is not directly related to the content of the article. [Image source=Pixabay]

Last fall, a venomous snake suddenly appeared in Hangang Park, biting a Maltese dog during a walk. At that time, the Maltese's two legs were severely damaged, nearly necrotic, and its life was reported to be in danger.

Experts explain that the frequent appearance of snakes in urban areas over the past 2-3 years is due to an increase in food waste leading to a rise in rodents, which in turn caused the snakes that prey on them to reproduce.

Recently, as COVID-19 restrictions have eased and the weather has warmed, more people have been visiting walking trails such as Hangang Park, increasing the amount of trash, which could be a major cause of the snake appearances.

An expert added, "There is also a possibility that snakes entered through rainwater drains following last week's rainfall."

If bitten by a venomous snake, keep the wound area lower than the heart

On the morning of October 9, the day after the 2022 Seoul World Fireworks Festival, trash left by spectators the previous day is piled up at the garbage collection site under Wonhyo Bridge in Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, if you encounter a snake during outdoor activities, it is best not to threaten it and to evacuate quickly, then report to 119.

If bitten by a venomous snake, move the patient to a safe place and keep the wound area lower than the heart. Tying a handkerchief or string above the wound, closer to the heart, can delay the spread of venom throughout the body.

Sucking the venom out of the wound with your mouth should be avoided as it can cause secondary accidents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.