The snakebite alone would have been enough, but then storm “Maya” came along. In the Mühlviertel, more specifically at Niederkappel, the search for a bitten German was a race against time.
The 43-year-old German cycled on the Danube cycle path from Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis towards Linz on Whitsun at around 6.30 pm. The cycle path ends in the Au area and, as a hiking trail in impassable terrain, turns into the Donauschlinge nature trail. The driver entered this footpath with his bicycle and luggage.
About halfway through the 3.5-kilometer hike, a snake bit his lower leg, so he called 911. At that time, the storm “Maya” raged over the area there, breaking contact again and again. To get to the scene, the fire brigade first had to clear the access roads of fallen trees. This was not without danger, as it was unclear whether other trees would fall.
Adder or Aesculapian snake
When the 43-year-old was reached again, he was instructed to stay on the trail and head towards Grafenau. By the time emergency services arrived, the 43-year-old had managed to reach Grafenau on his own. He had left the bike and luggage in the rough terrain. The ambulance took the man to hospital. It is not clear which snake bit him. Adders also live in the area, the only venomous snakes found in Upper Austria. Their venom is usually not life-threatening to humans, but a doctor should be consulted nonetheless. Aesculapian snakes are also common in the Mühlviertel, they are not venomous, but the bite is quite painful.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
