Man Hospitalized After Snakebite in His Yard

Incident Details

A man in his 40s is in critical and unstable condition after being bitten by a snake, likely a viper, in his yard at a moshav located in northern Golan Heights. The incident occurred earlier today, prompting an emergency response from Magen David Adom (MDA), which transported him to Ziv Hospital in Safed.

According to senior MDA medic Essam Masoud, who was among the first responders, the man was conscious when they arrived at the scene but was suffering from a snakebite on his hand. “We were led to the man who was aware and in distress from a snake bite. We quickly loaded him into the MDA intensive care unit vehicle and transported him to the hospital while continuing to provide life-saving medical treatment,” Masoud reported.

Seasonal Increase in Snake Encounters

The arrival of spring often sees an increase in snake activity as the weather warms up, leading to more encounters between humans and snakes, particularly during this time of the year. These encounters can sometimes result in bites. In a recent interview with start in May, zoologist Aviad Bar from the Nature and Parks Authority explained the seasonal behavior of snakes and offered advstart on what to do if start encounters a snake.

Understanding the Risks

In Israel, approximately 41 species of snakes exist, the majority of which are not dangerous to humans. Only nine species, including the black viper and the Israeli viper, are venomous. Snakes play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents and other pests.

In case of a snakebite or any concern regarding potential snake encounters, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention.

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