Snakes also live in the mountains

When going to the mountains, we always set off with an appropriate measure of self-knowledge and responsibility, but we must also know that we may encounter domestic and wild animals on the way. In the past week, there have been several reports from mountain areas about snake bites, especially in the wider area of Pokljuka. This does not necessarily mean that the number of snakes is greater. However, we warn that it is possible to encounter a snake in the mountains in summer.

When encountering a snake, despite possible heat, it is most important to remain calm and keep a cool head. Snakes are by nature timid. Therefore, we stay at a safe distance or bypass them and do not poke or try to remove them with sticks, as they will retreat on their own. If they feel attacked and threatened, they will try to bite. It is also important to stay on the mountain path, as there is a lower probability of encounter there, especially if the area has tall grass where the ground is not visible. When possibly resting, if we want to sit on the ground or put down a backpack, we check the surface, mainly with our eyes.

However, if it still happens that someone is bitten by a snake, we call 112 and consult with qualified experts. We always introduce ourselves, say who the injured person is and where we are. We also say what the snake that bit the injured person looked like. We never cut or suck the wound. We can rinse it with clean water and immobilize the limb, allow the injured person to rest and seek help. If safe, we photograph the snake, as this can help with identification and the decision for appropriate treatment.

We recommend reading the article from Planinski vestnik How to act in case of snake bites.

Insect stings can also be dangerous. The best protection against them and the sun is light clothing that covers a larger part of the body. Wasps, bees and hornets also live in the nature we visit and we are incredibly attractive to them. When they check that our colorful hair is not a flower and the path is salty, they usually fly away and leave us. The more we shoo them away, the more they want to check us. If they feel threatened, they will sting us. In cases where the stinger remains in the skin, it must be removed. We do not squeeze the stinger, as this way more venom will enter the body. We remove it with nails (or tweezers), rinse the sting site with cold water and if necessary apply a cold compress. Some people may be allergic to bee or wasp stings. They always carry an epipen with them, which contains the prescribed antihistamine medication. It is good to know if there is an allergic person in our mountain group and where they have the medicine and how we can help them as quickly as possible.

Source: https://pzs.si/novice/18559-v-gorah-zivijo-tudi-kace/