AltSU’s biologist told TV "Katun 24" where vipers are found in Altai Krai

19 May 2021 Department of Information and Media Communications
Head of the laboratory "Museum of Nature" of the Institute of Biology and Biotechnology of Altai State University, Viktor Petrov, told the journalists of "Katun 24" what snakes are found in Altai Krai and what to do if you are bitten by an unknown creeping creature.

The scientists of the flagship Altai State University said that you can hardly encounter poisonous vipers and snakes, two of the four species inhabiting Altai Krai, in the vicinity of Barnaul. According to last year's data, summer residents and vacationers met mainly non-poisonous snakes and colubers. Grass snakes are easily recognizable by yellow spots on the head, but colubers can look like vipers and therefore are often terrifying.

Poisonous snakes can be distinguished from non-venomous snakes by the shape of the pupil: grass snakes and colubers have a round pupil, while vipers and copperhead snakes have a vertical pupil.

The viper, according to Viktor Petrov, adheres to humid habitats, and also - and this is a direct warning to summer residents and tourists not to litter the nature - vipers and snakes are very fond of garbage dumps, the so-called places of shelter, as well as high grass stands.

If you are bitten by an unknown creeping creature, Viktor Petrov advises first of all drinking a lot of water, taking an antihistamine, applying a tight bandage and immediately going to the hospital for medical help. Viktor Petrov does not recommend sucking the poison out of the wound: firstly, it is advisable only in the first seconds after the bite, and secondly, there is a great risk of infecting the wound.

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