Shymkent faces invasion of snakes and scorpions

Tengrinews.kz – Rescuers are working in an intensified mode due to a sharp increase in snakes and scorpions in Shymkent, citing Almaty.tv.

Over the past two months, the city rescue service has received more than 130 calls related to reptiles appearing in residential areas.

Rescuers managed to catch about 90 of them. For comparison, there were about 200 such calls over the whole of last year. According to specialists, snakes most often come out in search of food and are increasingly being found on the territory of private houses, as well as in residential areas, parks and groves across the city.

“Snakes are most often found where there are mice and birds, since that is what they feed on. Many species of snakes live in the city, both venomous and non-venomous. If you spot one, it is important not to approach it and to wait for rescuers to arrive,” said Yerbol Ospanov, head of a department at the Shymkent Department of Emergency Situations.

So far, there have been no cases involving snake bites. Another problem is scorpions. Already, 80 people have suffered from attacks by these arthropods. Specialists are urging people to observe safety precautions during walks and outdoor recreation.