By Abbas Nazil
As the rainy season intensifies across Nigeria, concerns are mounting over a surge in snake attacks on farmers and rural residents, with environmental experts urging communities to adopt safer vegetation management practices around homes and farms to reduce the growing threat.
The increasing incidence of snake bites has been linked to widespread flooding of natural snake habitats, forcing the reptiles to seek shelter in farmlands, residential areas and other locations occupied by humans.
In Kogi Central, a farmer recently spent more than N1 million on treatment after suffering a snake bite while working on his farm, highlighting the severe financial burden that victims face amid the country’s economic challenges.
Reports from several parts of Nigeria indicate that snake encounters are becoming more frequent as heavy rains cover burrows, grasslands and other natural habitats.
The danger is particularly pronounced in the rainforest, derived savanna, Guinea savanna, Sudan savanna, Sahel savanna and freshwater swamp forest zones where thick vegetation, flooded habitats and overgrown surroundings provide ideal hiding places for snakes.
Speaking from Cross River State in the rainforest belt, forestry expert Dr. Emmanuel Bassey said communities are witnessing increased movement of snakes into residential compounds as persistent rains force the reptiles out of their natural shelters.
According to him, residents should clear grasses immediately around homes while preserving trees and important vegetation that support ecological balance.
In Edo State’s derived savanna zone, environmental conservationist Mrs. Helen Omoregie warned that indiscriminate bush burning and deforestation often worsen human-wildlife conflicts.
She said strategic clearing of overgrown bushes around homes and footpaths is safer and more sustainable than destroying large areas of vegetation.
From the Guinea savanna region of Niger State, agricultural extension officer Ibrahim Musa noted that farmers frequently encounter snakes while weeding and planting during the peak rainy season.
He advised farmers to use long-handled hoes and cutlasses to clear pathways before commencing farm operations and to wear protective boots when working in thick vegetation.
In Kaduna State within the Sudan savanna belt, community health worker Aisha Suleiman said snakebite cases usually rise during periods of heavy rainfall.
She stressed the importance of immediate medical attention and warned against relying solely on traditional remedies after snake bites.
Speaking from Yobe State in the Sahel savanna zone, wildlife officer Mohammed Goni explained that flooding often destroys snake habitats, forcing reptiles to migrate into settlements in search of dry ground.
He called for public education campaigns on snake identification, prevention and emergency response measures.
In Bayelsa State’s freshwater swamp forest region, environmental activist Ebi Jonathan said rising water levels frequently drive snakes into riverside communities and fishing settlements.
He urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and remove refuse heaps that may attract rodents, which in turn attract snakes.
Environmental observers note that unlike in many savanna areas where grasses may become sparse during the dry season, vegetation in rainforest and swamp forest zones remains green and dense throughout much of the year, creating favourable conditions for reptiles.
In many communities, unchecked bush growth around houses, schools and farms has become a major concern.
Residents have reported cases of snakes entering compounds, hiding in abandoned structures and appearing unexpectedly in gardens and footpaths.
Experts warn that indiscriminate clearing of vegetation should not be encouraged as it could contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
Instead, they recommend targeted and environmentally responsible vegetation management that focuses on reducing risks around homes and frequently used pathways while preserving important trees and ecological habitats.
For residential areas, safety specialists advise residents to clear overgrown grasses using long-handled hoes, slashers and cutlasses while wearing protective boots, gloves and thick clothing.
They recommend maintaining a clear perimeter around buildings, removing piles of refuse, firewood and debris where snakes may hide, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.
On farms, farmers are encouraged to clear access routes before entering fields, use appropriate farm tools rather than bare hands when removing vegetation, and avoid placing hands into holes, dense bushes or piles of crop residues without proper inspection.
Experts also advise farmers to work in pairs where possible and carry communication devices for emergencies.
Environmental advocates stress that tree planting, afforestation and ecosystem restoration remain essential despite the growing concern over snake attacks.
They argue that the solution lies not in widespread destruction of vegetation but in proper land management that balances human safety with environmental conservation.
As rains continue across Nigeria, public awareness campaigns on snakebite prevention, first aid and rapid access to medical treatment are expected to play a crucial role in reducing injuries and deaths.
Stakeholders are also calling on government agencies, local authorities and community leaders to intensify environmental sanitation efforts and support rural healthcare facilities with anti-venom supplies to help vulnerable populations cope with the seasonal increase in snakebite incidents.
