Electric Company Halts Work After Large Viper Found on Power Lines in Rehovot

A team from the Israeli Electric Company stopped repair work in Rehovot after discovering a large viper snake crawling on high-voltage power cables. The worker on the lift platform safely descended, and a professional snake catcher was called to remove the snake. The incident was captured on video, showing the snake moving along the cables while workers waited for its removal.

Boris Banderski, an Electric Company employee present at the scene, said he had encountered snakes before but never one this large on power lines. Experts note that snake activity increases during spring and summer, raising the chances of encounters even in populated areas. They strongly advise against approaching or attempting to catch snakes independently and recommend calling a qualified snake catcher.

Snake catcher David David told N12 that handling snakes is not a layperson’s task and compared it to dealing with explosives, emphasizing the importance of professional intervention. He explained that most snakebite risks occur when people intentionally touch snakes, act foolishly, or accidentally step on them without seeing them. He stressed that snakes usually avoid humans and that danger arises mainly from human actions.

During the snake-active seasons, cluttered yards, debris, and infrastructure can provide hiding spots, while leftover food attracts rodents, which in turn attract snakes. If a snake is spotted, people should keep their distance, avoid sudden movements, and not try to capture or kill it. Children and pets should be removed from the area, and a professional should be summoned. In case of a snakebite, immediate medical help should be sought by calling emergency services, avoiding self-treatment methods such as cutting the wound or sucking out venom.