Oman is currently experiencing unusually high temperatures, nearly reaching summer peaks. This heat surge is pushing snakes out of their natural desert habitats in search of more humid and cooler areas. Incidents of snake bites are becoming more frequent, especially on farms during the summer months. Snakes often invade farms and homes to escape the intense heat, seeking cooler temperatures and humidity.
The presence of snakes in residential areas is primarily due to the summer heat, which also heralds the season for insects and reptiles emerging from hibernation. Homes with extensive plant cover and abundant insects become attractive environments for snakes. If snakes are found in such areas, it is usually a sign that the environment is conducive to their presence.
In response to this growing concern, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) has released the second updated edition of the “Guide to Snakes in the Sultanate of Oman.” This illustrated guide aims to educate and raise awareness about the various types of snakes in Oman, categorising them as poisonous, moderately toxic, or harmless. It also highlights the risks posed by snakes in the Arabian Gulf region, with a particular focus on Oman. The guide, backed by scientific reviews from experts like Dr Salvador Carenza of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona and Ahmed al Busaidy, a wildlife specialist at the University of Nizwa, provides detailed descriptions of the snakes’ characteristics and habitats.
The summer season is a popular time for families in Oman to travel and enjoy nature, particularly with students on vacation. Many families opt to spend their holidays on farms and in rest houses, where the risk of snake bites is higher.
Last year, researchers from the Department of Emergency Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital conducted a study on snakebite risk factors and complications. The study, which involved 236 patients from Al Rustaq Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, found that most victims were adult males, with incidents peaking in August. The study also noted that blood clots, acute kidney injury, and external bleeding were common complications.
To prevent snakes from entering homes, several measures can be taken. These include trimming plants that climb on house walls, ensuring plants are shorter than windows, and addressing potential entry points such as holes in doors, garages, or walls. Municipalities also intensify control efforts during the summer by using repellent materials, sticky traps, and implementing preventive control programmes in gardens and parks.
Maintaining a tidy environment is crucial, as snakes thrive in messy, dark, and densely vegetated areas. Regularly trimming grass and eliminating food sources like large insects or mice can help keep snakes away. It’s essential to repair and fill any gaps or holes around the house to prevent even small snakes from squeezing through.
By following these precautions and staying informed, residents can reduce the risk of snake encounters and ensure a safer, more enjoyable summer season.
patients from Al Rustaq Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, found that most victims were adult males, with incidents peaking in August
236
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