Beware of snakes lurking in the grass

While people are enjoying the rain during this period, Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre warns of a danger lurking in the grass.

 The only specialised snakebite centre based in Port Moresby, urges people to be careful when out and about, during the months of December to April.

Loop PNG Lifestyle had an interview with Diana Barr, Technical Support Officer with Australian Venom Research Unit, in CCTC and here’s what she had to say:

 “This period is the wet season which brings high rainfall together with high temperatures resulting in a vegetation growth spurt.

“Rats feast on the abundant food supply in people’s gardens. Consequently, snakes move in to feast on rats.

“During rainy spells, people, and snakes alike all take shelter. As soon as there is a break in the weather and the sun comes out, so too do the people and the animals, hence a collision course is set.

“Also, July to September was the breeding season for snakes, which resulting in lots of juvenile snakes currently out and about looking for food and potentially coming into contact with people.”

 

This is a three-part article. Watch out for the next related article on Loop PNGLlifestyle.

Author: 
Gloria Bauai