Snake sightings due to ‘warm weather’

– Even snakes are feeling the heat caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

City Veterinary and Agriculture Office head Silardo Bested said the increase in sightings of snakes in the Summer Capital is caused by the scorching heat.

In a recent media forum at City Hall, Bested said snakes, just like other animals, are migratory creatures who “travel” when the weather is warm to where the climate is cooler like in elevated and forested areas like Baguio City.

Climate change, availability of food source, and mating season are among the factors that cause snakes to change their activity pattern.

Despite the reported snake sightings, he said that no snake bites have been recorded in the city so far as he reminded the public not to kill the snakes if sighted but to instead immediately report it to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources.

”Killing the snake would be justified only if a person’s life is in danger,” he said.

He advised those bitten by a snake to immediately go to an animal bite center or hospital for an antivenom shot.

Among the snakes sighted in Baguio is the Philippine cobra, a highly venomous species usually found in Northern Philippines.

A resolution was recently adopted by the city council requesting the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center to have an ample supply of antivenom vaccines for snake-bite incidents.