Fascination reptiles! We already keep more than 125,000 reptiles as pets. Exposed exotic animals, however, cause stakes and also bites: mortal danger is especially prevalent with illegal venomous snakes.
A pet snake? While many compatriots roll up their sleeves out of fear and disgust, others love the exotic pets. Although statistics show that three in four Austrians are afraid of snakes, there are officially 125,000 reptiles in terrariums from Vorarlberg to Burgenland.
“Snakes are energy savers”
But for many snake lovers, the fascination quickly disappears once the reptiles show off their daily lives locked in their own four walls. “Snakes are masters of energy conservation, they usually just lie around and move only to eat and excrete,” said Klagenfurt reptile expert Helga Happ in an interview with “Krone”.
That’s why people in Austria keep coming up with the crazy idea of releasing snakes. On the one hand this often means the death penalty for the animals, on the other hand snakes keep the emergency services sharp or bite them!
crawled through toilets
Like in Styria, when an escaped constrictor crawled through a toilet (see photo above) and bit a Grazer into the toilet after sitting down. This was also the case in Lower Austria, where an Aesculapian snake had caused a firefighting operation because it had almost terrified a toilet user.
But there was also a snake alarm in the federal capital of Vienna because an exposed constrictor python was discovered in a bush in the Floridsdorf district.
Anyone who is overrun by a snake and doesn’t know what to do should contact a zoo.
“Don’t attack!”
Many hikers have had unforgettable encounters with the venomous viper. Expert Happ: “Never attack vipers! Keep your distance and go back, then the snake usually disappears on its own. Put on high shoes when walking and stand firm.” Unfortunately, there is already a dangerous trend in the Alpine Republic: laymen often keep poisonous snakes at home for thrill-seekers.
Poisonous snakes more dangerous than a firearm
Happ: “These are more dangerous than a gun. If they escape, their lives are in danger.” Just last year, a 24-year-old was bitten while feeding a horned viper in Enns, Upper Austria. The snake lover, who had illegally possessed the poisonous animal, died a short time later in hospital.
Non-venomous snakes also cause excitement. It was not until Wednesday afternoon that a grass snake appeared as an uninvited guest at a children’s birthday party in Oberwart (Bgld.). Firefighters captured the reptile and released it into a stream.
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.
