Environmentalists estimated the probability of an early awakening of snakes in Moscow

Snakes in Moscow may begin to come out of hibernation at a stable average daily temperature of about +8 ...+10 degrees. However, it is premature to talk about the mass activity of reptiles, since the snow in the metropolitan region has not yet completely melted. Vladimir Pinaev, Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental Safety and Product Quality Management at the Patrice Lumumba Institute of Ecology of the RUDN University, told Izvestia on March 11.

He noted that temperature directly affects the biological rhythms of snakes, as they are cold-blooded animals.

"Snakes become more active at high temperatures. However, the snow has not melted yet, so it's premature to talk about their activity right now," the expert explained.

According to him, with the onset of the spring-summer season, snakes traditionally leave their winter shelters to start searching for food and start breeding. According to Pinaev, an increase in temperature only accelerates this natural process. He noted that reptiles behave more actively in warm weather: the higher the air temperature, the higher their mobility. During this period, snakes begin to hunt and re-enter the natural food chain, so there is no need to talk about any unusual effect on the ecosystem — this is a normal natural cycle.

The expert added that waking up early by itself would not have a significant impact on other animal or plant species. However, a warm spring can theoretically contribute to an increase in the snake population, which indirectly affects the number of their prey, primarily rodents.

"As one species increases in the food chain, the numbers of others change. But whether there will be such an effect this year largely depends on the weather conditions," he stressed.

Here are the vipers: why snakes have become more likely to attack people

Experts warn of a possible increase in such cases due to an increase in the reptile population.

Yuri Manukov, Associate Professor of the Department of General Biology and Bioecology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the State University of Education, added that early warming can be stressful for the reptiles themselves.

"Awakened snakes are sluggish and sluggish, as their metabolism has not yet started. They crawl out onto the thawed areas to keep warm, but they can die when frosts return," the specialist explained.

There are three main types of snakes in the Moscow region: common snake, viper and copperhead. The only venomous species is the viper. At the same time, according to experts, snakes rarely show aggression and do not attack humans first.

Experts recommend that residents be especially careful when walking in wooded areas and in suburban areas. It is important to look at your feet, avoid places with tall grass, fallen trees and piles of branches where reptiles can bask or hide. When encountering a snake, you should not make sudden movements — it is better to calmly move away to a safe distance.

Ecologists also remind that snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, controlling the number of rodents, and some species are included in regional Red Books. Therefore, the destruction of reptiles may entail responsibility. If the snake is on the property or in the house, experts advise contacting the rescue service.

On the same day, Azamat Kunafin, head of the Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring Department of the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection, told the Moscow City News Agency that snakes can wake up ahead of time in Moscow at an average daily temperature of +8...+10 degrees. According to him, in addition to the desire to keep warm, after winter, reptiles also experience hunger and go hunting for mouse-like and other small animals, which increases the likelihood of their appearance on the trails.

In early June, it was reported that in different districts of the Leningrad region, two teenagers were admitted to intensive care after being bitten by venomous snakes. The first case occurred in the Gatchina district. A snake clung to the finger of a 17-year-old schoolboy. The second incident occurred in Vsevolozhsk district. A snake bit a 16-year-old student in both hands. At the time of the predator's attack, the teenager was intoxicated.

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