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Summer is a time for picnics and walks, and since the natural world of Turkmenistan is rich in picturesque corners and unique views, it attracts fans of recreation in green areas. But do not forget that besides the amazing mysteries, the wild nature is fraught with some danger. Going for a hike, everyone should take precautions when meeting with inhabitants of the fauna.

Herpetologist Alexander Shestopal told about reptiles that one can meet in all corners of the country, and how to behave while coming across a venomous snake. After all, among the 33 species of reptiles found in Turkmenistan, four snakes are the most dangerous. Among these are the Cobra, Lebetina Viper, Copperhead, and Carpet Viper.

“If you are going for a mountain hike, it is advisable to wear tarpaulin boots, – comments Alexander. – But even without them, you should be careful, you are not forbidden to take a long stick and tap the bushes with it, so as not to accidentally step on a snake. Even if the “fatal” encounter with the reptile actually took place, keep calm. Snakes do not attack a person; they just react to the danger that threatens them. Snakes are deaf and react mainly to vibrations, wave a stick, the snake will crawl away itself.”

“It happens that a person steps on a reptile and does not notice, and then the bite follows. Do not panic, adrenaline quickly delivers the poison to the blood, so, keeping calm, try to sit down. And take a horizontal position, waiting for a doctor. First aid can be rendered on the spot. Estimating the bite depth, one should make an incision with a trenchant blade, and try to squeeze some of poison out. The bite wound should be washed and bandaged for 10 minutes. To inject the victim an anti-venom serum, the medic must know what kind of snake bites, since there is a specific injection of snake venom for a certain species.”

Snake venom is its saliva, which serves for defense, hunting, and digestion. In spring encounters with snakes are especially dangerous, after hibernation, snake venom is more toxic than in summer. But, as a rule, snakes do not attack first, their basic food ration is grasshoppers, frogs, rodents and birds. When the skin of a snake becomes old and horny, it begins to molt, at some point the reptile sheds the upper cover.

Following folk signs, to find a shed snakeskin is for luck. A small piece of dry snake “skin”, hidden in the wallet, will attract material prosperity and financial well-being. So don’t hurry to throw away disgustedly snake skin being found wherever it was.

“Unique species of lizards, snakes and turtles dwell on the territory of Turkmenistan, – tells Alexander Shestopal. – Sometimes it takes from 10 to 20 years to search for rare species. At the moment, we are working on compiling another Red Book of Turkmenistan on the inhabitants of the animal world of our country.”

Selbi CHARYEVA Photos by Alexander Shestopal