Hiker rescued by helicopter after snake bite in French Pyrenees

A hiker was airlifted to hospital after being bitten by a snake as she approached it to take a photograph in the French Pyrenees.

The 46-year-old was hiking with a friend in the Vallée d’Ossau, in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, on September 24 when she spotted an asp viper.

The animal bit her on the hand as she approached it to take a photograph.

She experienced the usual reactions associated with a viper bite: swelling and intense pain, nausea, and fever, the high mountain gendarmerie platoon, the PGHM, told Le Figaro.

She was airlifted by helicopter to hospital in Pau, where she received treatment and antivenom.

Where are vipers found in France?

Snakes are found across France, although vipers are more common in the south and centre of the country.

The asp viper (Vipera aspis) is the most common viper in France and is found in areas including the Pyrenees, Alps and Massif Central.

Vipers are particularly likely to be encountered in dry, rocky or wooded areas, as well as long grass, hedges and the edges of woodland.

On sunny days, they may lie on rocks or other exposed surfaces to warm themselves so this is when hikers are most likely to come across them. 

What should you do if you see a snake?

The best thing to do is leave it alone. “A snake does not attack people. It only bites in self-defence, for example if it is touched or accidentally stepped on,” Jean Andrieux, a park ranger for the Vercors Natural Park, previously told The Connexion. 

If you encounter a snake on a path, keep your distance and calmly walk around it. Do not try to touch, move or photograph it at close range.

Wearing closed shoes and long trousers, staying on marked paths and watching where you place your hands and feet can also reduce the risk of a bite.

Additionally, around half of bites from venomous snakes do not actually inject venom. “Most bites are what we call ‘dry bites,’ meaning the viper does not inject venom. It is a defensive reaction - it is scared, it bites, but does not release venom,” Mr Andrieux said.

When venom is injected, symptoms can include pain, swelling and redness around the bite, while more serious cases can cause nausea, breathing difficulties or a severe allergic reaction.

Anyone bitten by a snake should stay still, remain where they are, and call emergency services on 15 or 112 as soon as possible.

It should also be noted that all snake species are protected in France. This means they cannot be harmed, killed or relocated. 

Killing a snake in France risks a €150,000 fine and three years in prison.