In recent days, with the stabilization of the weather and the rise in temperature, the number of complaints about snakes and images circulating on social networks has increased, especially in the Absheron peninsula. Although many people attribute this to an increase in the number of snakes, experts believe that the issue is more related to the increased contact of people with areas where snakes live. The expansion of settlements, the destruction of natural habitats, and the increased movement of snakes during the summer season are considered to be the main reasons for these encounters.
Tavakkul Isgandarov, PhD in Biology at the Institute of Research of Living Systems of the Ministry of Science and Education, told Modern.az that there are almost no natural habitats for snakes left in the Absheron peninsula:
“All areas have become completely anthropogenic. Currently, intensively inhabited backyards, recreation areas, and production areas have become places where snakes are also found. Therefore, people encounter snakes more often. But this does not mean that the number of snakes is increasing. On the contrary, the number of snakes is decreasing. It's just that contact with people has increased compared to before. If 50 people encountered four snakes before, now 500 people can encounter the same number of snakes. This creates the impression in people that 'snakes have increased'.”
According to the biologist, snakes mainly approach areas where there is a food base and hiding places:
“Places with mice-like animals, lizards, and bird chicks, which are the food of snakes, attract them. At the same time, piles of stones, piles of wood, tree trimmings, and basements are suitable shelters for snakes. In summer, when the weather gets hotter, snakes start looking for coolness. The underside of fallen wood, cardboard, and slate becomes a suitable environment for them. They can hide in shady places where the sun does not fall. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful when working or cleaning in such areas.”
Tavakkul Isgandarov noted that the vast majority of snakes found in Azerbaijan are non-venomous:
“Currently, according to taxonomic changes, 26 species of snakes are recorded in Azerbaijan. Only four of them are venomous, and 22 species are not dangerous to humans. The most widespread venomous species is the Gürza snake (Levantine Viper). The Levantine Viper is mainly found in lowland and arid areas. The Shield-nosed snake is found in the Lankaran zone. Radde's mountain viper lives in Nakhchivan. The Renard's viper, i.e., the Eastern steppe viper, is observed in pastures and subalpine meadows.”
The expert stated that the biggest mistake people make when encountering a snake is trying to approach it:
“When a snake feels threatened, it tries to bite to defend itself. Therefore, one should not go towards the snake or try to catch it. It should be allowed to move away. If it is in a dangerous place and you do not want it to hide, you can throw a sack or other material over it from a certain distance to keep it in place. Then the relevant people should be informed.”
The biologist emphasized that although non-venomous snakes sometimes look scary, they are not considered dangerous to humans:
“Some non-venomous snakes may hiss and try to act aggressively. But they do not have venomous apparatus that is dangerous to humans. Since they do not have front venomous fangs and venom glands like vipers, they do not pose a serious threat. Most of the colubrids, erixes, striped snakes, and other species found in Azerbaijan are non-venomous. People should mainly be wary of Gürza species,” he said.
