Snakes abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

Are snakes dangerous abroad? 

• Most snakes are harmless, though species such as rattlesnakes and cobras are not. So it is useful to carry a guidebook showing the main species or to read up online about local venomous snakes. 
• The majority of snakes are non-venomous. 
• Snakes are rarely aggressive. They only bite humans if they feel threatened, injecting venom into the skin as a reflex reaction. 
• Only a few snakes pose a serious danger to humans: for example, the African cobra, mamba, giant viper, Asian cobra and krait, and the American coral snake and rattlesnake. 
• Snakes are not found at altitudes above 4,000 meters.

What are the deadliest snakes in the world? 

• The most notorious snake is the saw-scaled viper, found in the dry, hot regions of the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa.
• The most venomous snake is the inland taipan, found in parts of Australia with a low population; a single bite can potentially kill a hundred people.
• The most aggressive snake is the lancehead (fer-de-lance), found in parts of South and Central America; it is a nocturnal hunter that grows to 1–2 meters in length. 
• Perhaps the most famous deadly snake is the black mamba, found in southern Africa. 
• The longest venomous snake is the king cobra, found in parts of Southeast Asia; its venom is potent enough to kill an elephant within a few hours.

How can you avoid being bitten by a snake?

• Seek local information regarding the presence of (dangerous) snakes. Use a flashlight when walking in the dark in areas where snakes are found. 
• If you see a snake, stay calm; it will likely disappear faster than you do. 
• If the snake stays put, give it a wide berth. 
• Wear high-topped shoes and long trousers. 
• Never put your hand into a hole or gap; be alert when climbing on rocks. 
• When walking through tall grass, make some noise or hit the ground and plants ahead of you with a stick so the snake has time to move away. 
• Always check your shoes before putting them on. 
• Be careful with bags and backpacks; check inside before reaching in.
• Exercise caution when swimming in lakes or streams surrounded by dense vegetation. 
• Be careful when gathering or moving wood.

What are the symptoms following a snakebite?

• Swelling at the bite site. 
• Blistering at the bite site. 
• Swollen lymph nodes. 
• Fever. 
• Nausea, vomiting. 
• Rapid heart rate. 
• In later stages: fainting, paralysis, tissue necrosis, etc.

What is the treatment for a snakebite?

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Try to stay calm. Do not panic, and avoid alcohol, coffee, or tea; these things increase your heart rate, which can cause the venom to spread through the body more quickly.
• Try to gather as much information as possible about the snake—color, length, markings, and so on are important (but do not pick it up!)—so that hospital staff know which antivenom to use.
• Keep the affected body part low and still to prevent the venom from spreading too quickly to the rest of the body. Remove constricting items, such as rings, from the bitten limb.
• Paracetamol may be taken for pain (do not use aspirin).
• Never attempt to suck out, cut, apply a tourniquet to, or cauterize the snakebite.