Some of the most destructive snakes have arrived in Majorca. The popular holiday hotspot has reported a massive increase in sightings, so much so that authorities have sounded the alarm that they cannot cope with the influx.
Horseshoe snakes, one of the deadliest breeds to the environment, are believed to have arrived in Majorca by swimming across the sea. These reptiles can grow to 5 feet in length and can turn aggressive when handled and, even inflicting a strong bite. However, these breeds are not dangerous to humans as they are aglyphous ophidians, which means that they lack special teeth to inoculate venom.
And now one biologist has issued a stark warning that tourists and locals alike may soon have to get “used to living with these snakes”.
The biologist said: “Either we drastically increase traps and extraction or we will have to get used to living with these snakes.”
The Consortium for the Recovery of Fauna of the Balearic Islands (COFIB) has come under fire for passing the responsibility of catching snakes to individuals.
“They give you the cages but since they are short of resources, they tell us that they will not be able to come and pick them up. Therefore, we have to take them to their headquarters or kill them,” said one farmer.
He said private companies were cashing in on the problem by charging 350 euros to eliminate snakes.
Farmers are calling for money to be spent on trying to curb the increasing number of snakes.
Biologist from the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Samuel Pinya says: “We need thousands and thousands of traps to reduce the population. In 2003, we should have acted more quickly and filled the territory with traps. But between 2003 and 2015, there was a lull, and then they began to grow out of control.”
It comes just weeks after large snakes were seen gliding through the water at popular resorts in Ibiza.
Footage posted online shows the reptiles, measuring up to 5.7ft, calmly cutting through the waves near Portinatx, a northern tip of the island once known for its tranquil coves and quiet charm.