Venomous Snakes Captured in Parts of Tbilisi

Venomous snakes have been found in Tbilisi, according to Shota Zandukeli, a herpetologist who spoke with Allnews.ge.

The Animal Monitoring Agency reports that it has seized 244 snakes in Tbilisi so far this year – the highest number was in May. Last year, 438 snakes were collected by the Agency. Snakes are found mostly in suburban areas of Tbilisi, outside the central districts. Not all snakes living in and near Tbilisi are venomous, but several are. If you see a snake, you should immediately contact the Animal Monitoring Agency by calling 112.

 Zandukeli said that “The zones where we found venomous snakes are Ortachala, Krtsanisi, Ponichala, Africa district and the vicinity of the airport.” So, people in those areas should take extra precautions when outside, particularly in tall grass.

If you are bitten by a snake, Zandukeli recommends you lay down and stay as still as possible, drink water, and watch for an allergic reaction, for which you can take anti-histamines.

In August 2017, then-director of the Animal Monitoring Agency Temur Pkhaladze said "Reptile activity is a common occurrence in heat. If we compare the current year's statistical data to the same period of the last year, the number of reptiles is much less. There is no alarming situation. there has not been a case of snake biting.”

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Kvira.ge