More than 60 Israelis have fallen victim to snakes since the beginning of April.

According to the MADA ambulance service, since the beginning of April its teams have received 62 calls in connection with snake bites, including about 30 calls since the beginning of June.

Five Israelis bitten by snakes were hospitalized in serious condition, six in moderate condition, and the rest in mild condition.

The latest incident happened the day before. A man about 60 years old was taken to a clinic in Isfiya (southeast of Haifa) after being bitten by a poisonous snake. The victim was transported to Haifa’s Carmel Hospital. His condition remains serious.

As experts note, snakes become more active with the onset of heat. Typically, there are significantly more incidents of venomous snake bites in summer than in winter. Caution should be exercised.

At the same time, the Department of Nature Reserves and Parks explains that snakes are protected species and it is prohibited to harm them. Snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem as predators that eat rodents and other pests.

What to do when meeting a snake?

Keep your distance.

Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.

Just walk away from her slowly and carefully.

If a snake is found in your home or in a public place, call the municipality hotline or the Department of Nature Reserves and Parks. It will be handled by professionals.