Man Bitten by Non-Venomous Snake in Central Niš Released from Hospital

A man in Niš, Serbia, received treatment at the University Clinical Center after being bitten by a snake in the city center. The incident occurred in the Bulevar "12. februar" area. Doctors confirmed the bite was from a non-venomous snake, and due to the mild symptoms, the man was released for home treatment on the same day.

While the bite happened in an urban area, experts note this is not unusual. Danko Jović, a herpetologist with the Zavod za zaštitu prirode in Niš, explained that snakes, particularly grass snakes, inhabit cities wherever rodents are present. "Snakes are natural enemies of rodents, which are found everywhere garbage accumulates, hence their presence in urban environments," Jović stated.

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Snakes are natural enemies of rodents, which are found everywhere garbage accumulates, hence their presence in urban environments.

He further clarified that the snakes found in cities are typically non-venomous grass snakes, which generally do not attack unless they feel threatened. "I assume the man was bitten because the snake felt threatened and reacted that way. This happens either when someone tries to catch it or during an accidental encounter that surprises the snake," the expert said. Although a grass snake bite is harmless, medical attention may be needed if the wound becomes infected.

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I assume the man was bitten because the snake felt threatened and reacted that way. This happens either when someone tries to catch it or during an accidental encounter that surprises the snake.