They emerged as the weather warmed up: Snake statement from the expert

With the warming of the weather in Kocaeli, snakes have started to be seen in residential areas. Cüneyt Özer, the General Secretary of Kocaeli Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons, stated that snakes have started mating and feeding in nature, and warned citizens who go for a walk in the forest.

As the summer temperatures rise, snakes waking up from hibernation have started to come out into nature. The fact that snakes are seen in most parts of the city due to the narrowing of their habitats has also caused concern among citizens.

Cüneyt Özer, the Responsible Manager of Kocaeli University Experimental Medicine Research Unit and General Secretary of Kocaeli Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons, stated that snakes are carnivorous reptiles, and informed that they are found everywhere in the world except Antarctica and most islands. Özer expressed that there are 520 genera and over 3,900 species of snakes worldwide, and said, ‘They range in size from 10 centimeters to 7-8 meters. There are also about 47 snake species in Turkey.’

“There is nothing to fear”

Cüneyt Özer stated that with the warming of the weather in Kocaeli, snakes waking up from hibernation have started to come out of their nests to mate, reproduce, and feed, saying, ‘This is quite a normal situation. There is nothing to fear.’

“Entering their habitat is one of the factors that lead us to encounter snakes more frequently”

Özer warned the citizens to be careful when walking in forested areas and nature, saying, ‘When they encounter a biting incident, they should seek medical help as soon as possible. One of the reasons that snakes are in close contact with humans in nature is that we have built buildings in the forests or lands that were previously their habitats, entering their living space leads us to encounter snakes more frequently.’

“The reason for entering homes is not leaving food out in the open”

Cüneyt Özer, the Responsible Manager of Kocaeli University Experimental Medicine Research Unit, concluded his words by saying, ‘Snakes also exhibit certain behaviors to feed. We encounter snakes more often that are seeking milk, water, or food. At the same time, the reasons for entering homes are not leaving food out in the open. I do not think so. It is also not correct to kill snakes. We should apply to the relevant institutions and request help.’