Rising temperatures in Turkey lead to surge in snake sightings

As temperatures rise in Turkey, snakes are increasingly venturing into residential areas, causing concern and prompting action from emergency services. Firefighters are responding to a growing number of calls, with some days seeing up to 10 incidents.

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We receive reports of snakes seen in gardens or inside detached houses, especially in areas near the countryside. We evaluate these reports, remove the snakes without harming them, and try to release them back into nature.

Selamettin Sağlam, shift supervisor at the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, noted that snake reports surge during warmer periods. "We receive reports of snakes seen in gardens or inside detached houses, especially in areas near the countryside," he said. Firefighters are tasked with safely removing these reptiles from homes and releasing them back into their natural habitats.

Sağlam highlighted that snakes often seek shelter in areas where items are stored around homes. While firefighters address snakes posing a direct threat to residents, particularly inside dwellings, he stressed the importance of public vigilance. "Citizens need to pay attention to environmental cleanliness, maintenance, and take necessary precautions," he advised.

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Citizens need to pay attention to environmental cleanliness, maintenance, and take necessary precautions.

Preventative measures include keeping drains covered and using screens on windows, especially those close to the ground. Sağlam also suggested that homeowners can enhance their safety by using sulfur-based repellents or consulting professional pest control services for effective methods to secure their homes and surroundings.

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Keeping drains covered and using screens on windows close to the ground are among the measures that can be taken against snake incidents.