Wildlife experts and IGSU address snake sightings in Moldova
Moldovan public health and emergency authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and avoid direct contact with reptiles following a seasonal increase in snake activity. Out of the eight snake species native to Moldova, only two are venomous, and encounters remain highly infrequent.
The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) reported only two instances this year of snakes encroaching on residential properties. In both cases, specialized emergency teams deployed to safely relocate the animals without injury to residents.
Dr. Victoria Nistreanu, head of the Terrestrial Vertebrates Laboratory at the Institute of Zoology, stated that the steppe viper, Moldova's most venomous snake, has not been sighted for nearly half a century. The only venomous reptile currently found in the country is the common European adder, or forest viper.
According to Dr. Nistreanu, these snakes are non-aggressive and only bite defensively when startled or stepped on. They often remain camouflaged while basking in vegetation during the peak summer months.
Non-venomous snake bites result only in minor scratches that require standard disinfection. However, in the rare event of an adder bite, authorities advise citizens to immediately call the 112 European emergency number for urgent medical evaluation.
Emergency responders stress that individuals should never attempt to capture, chase, or kill the reptiles. Responders recently cleared a snake from a local kindergarten, successfully resolving the situation without risking the safety of children or staff.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
