No need to panic after girl suffers snake bite

Wildlife experts are saying there’s no need to panic after an eight-year-old girl weas airlifted to hospital suffering from a snake bite late last week.

The child was on a school trip near Balsthal in canton Solothurn when she was bitten. 

She was airlifted to the Bern Inselspital which has antivenom. She was vomiting, her blood pressure was dropping and was drifting in and out of consciousness.

She started to recover after treatment. 

Experts say hikers should be cautious if they see a snake – but point out that any snake found near water is likely to be non-venomous. 

They’re likely to avoid humans - but can attack if feel threatened. 

But if bitten, you will have time to get to a hospital as it takes several hours for the venom to reach its peak. 

There hasn’t been a fatal snake bite in this country since 1960.

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