The presence of a **snake** in a house in Luján (**San Luis**) quickly mobilized park ranger Samuel Olivieri, who belongs to the Natural Protected Area “Quebrada de Las Higueritas.” This type of situation has become recurrent [during the high temperatures months](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/por-que-en-verano-aumentan-los-abandonos-de-mascotas/), leading the Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development to issue guidelines on [how to proceed](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/por-que-en-verano-aumentan-los-abandonos-de-mascotas/) when encountering reptiles.
During the summer, it is common for snakes to appear in urban or nearby areas, as a result of their **biological behavior**.
Environmental authorities recommend **taking certain precautions** when encountering these animals, as their presence is part of ecosystems and plays a key role in biological control.
## The importance of distinguishing snake species
In Argentina, [more than 100 types of snakes](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/por-que-en-verano-aumentan-los-abandonos-de-mascotas/) inhabit, many of which are essential for balancing **local ecosystems**. In San Luis, five venomous species stand out for their danger: the **yarará ñata, yarará chica, yarará grande o de candado, cascabel, and the coral snake**. Although their bites can be severe, most cases are preventable and treatable if acted upon quickly.
Samuel Olivieri, park ranger at “Quebrada de Las Higueritas,” emphasized the importance of knowing and distinguishing the species: “They must be respected, but not feared. Many times they are classified as hostile animals, but **not all snakes are dangerous**.” Olivieri also recounted the recent case in Luján, where he relocated a snake found in a home’s kitchen back to its habitat in the native forest.
He also pointed out that some snakes, such as those of the genus **Philodryas**, although not lethal, can cause adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
## How to act in case of a snake bite
If bitten by a snake, it is essential to remain calm and follow the following guidelines:
– Relax or remove tight clothing from the affected area (such as rings, watches, or bracelets).
– Avoid applying tourniquets, attempting to capture or kill the snake.
– Do not immerse the wound in water, alcohol, or other substances, nor make cuts or suck the venom.
– Refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeine beverages, or taking medications before seeking medical attention.
– Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital or ask for assistance to determine if an antidote is necessary.
In the presence of snakes, [the key is to be well informed](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/como-protegerse-de-las-picaduras-de-alacranes-en-epocas-de-calor-intenso-y-que-hacer-en-caso-de-ser-picado/) and manage the situation preventively. Knowing the local species and their characteristics not only helps to avoid accidents but also to coexist respectfully with the **native fauna**.
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