A warmer climate is behind the increasing sightings of snakes at the forested areas of Baguio, according to the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).
CVAO Head Silardo Bested said due to the warm weather made worse by the El Niño phenomenon, snakes are migrating to areas where the climate is cooler, such as in forested areas.
Migration is common occurrence among animals.
Some factors that cause migration are climate changes, food availability, and mating season.
In Baguio, three sightings have been reported in Atok Trail, Balacbac, and the hiking trails of Camp John Hay but no snake bites have been reported so far.
Bested reminded the public not to kill the snakes but report instead to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
When bitten by a snake, he also reminded to immediately go to an animal bite center or hospital for administration of anti-venom shots.
The city council recently passed a resolution asking the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center to have enough supply of anti-venom vaccines.
The BGHMC is the only hospital in the Cordillera supplied with anti-venom vaccines. – Rimaliza A. Opiña
