The Environmental Defense Group (GDA) Ipson Pavani, part of the Municipal Civil Guard (GCM) of São Leopoldo, carried out another successful rescue of a poisonous snake. The puppy of pampa jararaca (Bothrops pubescens) was found in a property on José Martins Filereno street, in the Campestre neighborhood, on Thursday, November 16th. The presence of the snake was reported to the Command and Monitoring Center (Cecom) by number 153.
A snake It was identified by its distinct characteristics and was later released in an area far from the city center, which is its natural habitat. The venom of the Pampas pit viper is more toxic than that of the common pit viper, causing intense pain, bleeding, necrosis and, in extreme cases, can lead to amputation or death if not treated immediately. The snake defends itself by running away, attacking and vibrating its tail.
In the event of a bite by this species, the recommended antivenom is antibotropic. The São Leopoldo Municipal Health Department (Semsad) advises that, in the event of a bite by a venomous animal, the victim must be taken immediately to the Centenário Hospital.
Pampa jararaca (Bothrops pubescens)
Native only to Uruguay and Pampa Gaúcho, this venomous species, like other pit vipers, has two retractable teeth, inoculating a potent neurotoxic venom. They measure around 70 to 90 cm, and can reach up to 1.2 m. It inhabits open rural areas, with nocturnal activity, and may be diurnal or terrestrial. Its diet includes amphibians, lizards, birds, small mammals, snakes and centipedes. Cubs use the caudal bait to capture prey.
They are brown or grayish in color, with dark trapezoids bordered in white, but imperfect, divided into 3 parts, with an oval dorsal spot between them. The belly is yellowish-white, with irregular dark spots.
Viviparous, they can give birth to up to 25 puppies, with an average of 11 puppies. It is hypothesized that this species reproduces only every 2 to 3 years.
Adequate equipment and training
Agents are trained to capture this type of venomous snake. A rescue and handling technique was used in accordance with the knowledge received in training at the Canoas Municipal Zoo, ensuring the safest capture possible for both the snake and the agents on duty. GDA agents warn that no person should attempt to capture an animal because it may react aggressively if it feels threatened, especially when it is a poisonous snake. The advice is to contact GCM immediately via telephone 153.
Another guideline is not to injure or kill the animal. According to article 29 of law 9,605/98, killing, persecuting, capturing, using specimens of wild fauna, whether native or on the migratory route, without due permission, license or authorization from the competent authority, or in disagreement with that obtained, generates detention of six months to one year and a fine.
What to do in case of an accident with venomous animals
- Seek medical attention immediately;
- Tell the health professional as many of the animal’s characteristics as possible, such as: type of animal, color, size, among others;
- If possible, and if such action does not delay the patient’s visit to medical care, wash the bite site with soap and water, keep the victim at rest and with the affected limb elevated until arrival at the emergency room;
- In accidents involving the extremities of the body, such as arms, hands, legs and feet, remove accessories that could worsen the clinical condition, such as rings, tied ribbons and tight shoes;
- Do not tie a tourniquet to the injured limb and, much less, cut and/or apply any type of substance (coffee powder, alcohol, among others) to the bite site;
- Do not try to “suck out the poison”, this action only increases the chances of local infection.
