Dangerous animals in Turkey

See also snakes in Turkey

VENOMOUS SNAKE BITES IN TURKEY FIRST AID AND TREATMENT

Most accidental bites usually occur whenever a snake is encountered and does not have time or space to slip away. Generally, the victims were found to be bitten in the fields for example when harvesting grapes in our region. So everyone must be aware of potential dangers posed by venomous snakes when camp, hike, picnic, work or live in snake-inhabited areas. Snake bites still cause significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Geographically the climate of southeast region of Turkey is arid and contains mostly vipers as most venomous snakes.

Ticks in Turkey  An outbreak of bites by ticks in Turkey has led to the death of 31 people from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in 2009. The Turkish authorities are considering releasing partridges which feed on the ticks to control the disease. (Público). 3128 Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases with 5% of case-fatality rate have been reported by the Ministry of Health of Turkey between 2002-2008. Wikipedia

What dangerous animals live in Turkey?

  • I spent a month in Turkey in 1998, and here are the main animals/insects that we were told to watch out for. Of course, there are a range of animals that could be potentially dangerous just as in any place in the world, but you should be wary of these ones.
  • Dogs – there are multitudes of dogs running around that are infected with rabies, especially in the western provinces. Watch out for their bites and saliva.
  • Rats and other rodents – many are infected with viruses including the hantavirus hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. You can catch this virus just by breathing in dust that has been contaminated by rodent excrement or saliva, or if it comes in contact with your skin.

Dangerous animals in Turkey (Excellent article)

  • Scorpions are relatively common in Turkey, thanks to its location and climate. The main type of scorpion you will encounter are members of the Buthidae family. Scorpion bites can be painful, but the creatures you’ll find in Turkey rarely deliver fatal stings. Most reports of scorpion bites come from southeastern Turkey. Scorpions usually come out at night. If you get stung, put a cold compress on the site of the bite and see a doctor immediately. Chances are, there’s no need to worry. But unless you’re an expert it’s best not to take any risks.
  • The bad news: some 5000 centipede bites are reported each year in Turkey. The good news: there’s been only one known fatality. If you do get bitten, wash the bitten area carefully and apply a cold compress. Take a painkiller if it hurts and as it heals, apply a hydrocortisone cream to stop the itching. If it looks like it’s getting infected, see a doctor.
  • There are two main types of jellyfish in the Turkish Mediterranean, the moon jellyfish and the Rhizostoma pulmo. Luckily, neither is dangerous at all and they’re considered more of an eyesore than a threat. However, in recent years a number of new jellyfish species have been spotted in Turkish waters, thanks to the warming of the waters. Rhopilema nomadic, for example, is a Red Sea native that has migrated to the Mediterranean. Its sting can be painful and sometimes dangerous, although very few deaths are reported.

Wildlife and nature guides to the world

  • Birdwatching in Turkey
  • Mixed
  • Nature and wildlife apps for iphone
  • Wildlife calendar
  • Wildlife of Africa
  • Wildlife of Asia
  • Wildlife of Europe
  • Wildlife of North Africa
  • Wildlife of North and South America
  • World wildlife guides