Less than a week remains before schools are set to open and families are trying to make the most out of the remaining days of the summer break by heading to the beach to enjoy the slightly cool breeze. However, all your enjoyment would come to an end if you see a snake slithering your way on the beach. That is why families visiting the half moon beach in Dammam are being warned not to litter, since it not only causes pollution but also attracts snakes. Half moon beach is en excellent picnic spot with golden sandy shores and sparkling waves of the Arabian Gulf. Recently, sea snakes have been detected on the shores of the Eastern Province. These snakes, that are native to the Gulf region, have black rings and may be brown, grey or yellow in color. A specialist in this species of snakes, Maha Al-Mazru said, “These types of snakes are ordinarily harmless and do not attack people, unless they are hungry or are in their mating season. Although these snakes are not poisonous to humans, we should still be careful.” Al-Mazru strongly urges families to clean up properly after eating at the beach and to throw all waste in the garbage bins. She warned that if any left-overs or disposable containers with food in them are left lying on the ground ,they could attract hungry sea snakes. The Coastal Guard reported one incidence of a snake bite this week. A 12-year old boy was bitten by a snake and he was immediately attended to and received professional treatment by the rescue team at the beach. However, if anyone ever suffers a snake bite in the absence of coastal guards or life guards, the victim should wash the injury, keep the affected area still and at a lower lever than the heart. To be on the safe side, the victim must be immediately taken to the hospital. __
