During the summer, the number of interventions to remove snakes from urban areas increases, and in some cases, such as the situation near Pirot where a viper crawled into a car, complex actions are required. Vladica Stanković from the Reptile Protection Association of Vladičin Han receives daily calls from citizens across Serbia seeking help to safely remove snakes and return them to their natural habitat. The viper, the most common venomous snake in Serbia, is easily recognized by its rhomboid markings and horns on its head. It is important to distinguish venomous from non-venomous snakes and to act cautiously. Such situations cause public concern, as was the case in Kragujevac where a man was bitten by a snake.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the importance of wildlife protection and humane treatment of snakes, highlighting the role of associations like Vladica Stanković’s in safely relocating snakes to their natural habitats. They also focus on educating the public about distinguishing venomous from non-venomous snakes to reduce unnecessary fear and promote coexistence.
Center: Center-leaning reports focus on the factual aspects of the incidents, detailing the increase in snake encounters during summer, the challenges faced by removal teams, and public safety measures. They provide balanced information about the species involved, such as the viper, and practical advice on how to react in snake encounters.
Right: Right-leaning narratives tend to emphasize the dangers posed by venomous snakes like the viper, highlighting incidents that cause public alarm, such as snake bites or snakes entering vehicles. They stress the need for caution and sometimes call for stronger measures to control snake populations in urban areas to protect citizens.