Person cleaning their freezer in Peru bitten by venomous creature hiding inside
.jpg "An expert contacted about the bite instructed the resident to seek immediate medical care, wildlife officials said.")
A person in northwestern Peru was bitten by a venomous snake that was hiding in an unusual spot in their home, officials said.
The National Forestry and Wildlife Service said the resident was cleaning their freezer when they were bitten by a baby Bothrops barnetti — a venomous species of pit viper — according to an April 16 news release.
The family contacted a member of the biology department at the National University of Piura who was able to identify the snake based on the bite and description of the animal.
As instructed by the faculty member, the family sought immediate medical care at a city hospital so the appropriate antivenom could be administered.
No additional details about the bite victim or their condition were provided.
The juvenile snake – just under a foot long — was rescued in good health and without any visible injuries, wildlife officials said.
Bothrops barnetti, locally known as “macanchillo” or “sancarranca,” is listed as a “vulnerable” species. Threats to the species include being killed by humans and habitat loss, according to officials.
Experts caution people to stay calm in the presence of wild animals like snakes, adding that they typically only attack when they feel threatened.
The family lives in Piura province in the far northwestern region of Peru near the border with Ecuador.
Translate GPT was used to translate the news release from the National Forestry and Wildlife Service.
