Snakes

Even though very few hikers or tourists in Romania will ever see a snake, you should be prepared. If you are bitten by a snake, you should act quickly. If swelling develops and you experience circulatory problems or even collapse, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In severe cases of poisoning, you will probably be given an antivenom (antidote de vipera). snakes

Snakes

Snakes and Snakebites

However, some things can prevent a bite. Wear sturdy shoes when walking. If you see a snake, stay calm and give the snake a chance to escape. Also pay attention to the warning signs and don’t just sit down in the grass. And if you do get bitten, take note of the snake’s appearance and try to see a doctor as soon as possible. Most doctors advise against measures such as those often shown in films, where the bite is scratched with a knife and the blood is sucked out. Opinions differ as to whether vacuum pumps work.

Marking the bite site with a ballpoint pen, on the other hand, helps to localize changes. The wound should also be disinfected. And it is best to withdraw from the site after a bite before another bite occurs. But not every bite is equally poisonous. Often there is a so-called dry bite, where no venom has been injected. Are you not sure? If you could see the snake and it had a triangular head and vertical eye slits, then it is probably venomous. However, this does not mean that you have been poisoned. But regardless, you should always seek medical attention after a bite.

How do you recognize a poisonous snake bite?

After a venomous bite (two large punctures), redness, swelling and dark spots usually occur. In addition, nausea, shortness of breath and weakness or even circulatory collapse sometimes occur. Sweating is also an indication of a venomous bite.
The most venomous snakes in Europe include the adder, which tends to be very shy and flees in case of danger, and the horned viper, which is very poisonous and can be easily recognized by its nose, which has a small horn on it. The forest viper is also poisonous. Keep to the marked paths and keep your eyes open. And remember, only very few nature lovers will get too close to a snake. If you see one, keep your distance. Even if they seem calm, snakes can react extremely quickly and bite if necessary.