Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Snakebites in Costa Rica Rise Along with El Niño Cycles

http://www.livescience.com/52149-snakebites-rise-with-el-nino.html



 
 After learning of all the possible effects that El Nino can have on climate, I definitely was not expecting this at all. Apparently, In Costa Rica, El Nino has produced a weird side effect; Increased numbers of snakebites.

Snakebites are relatively rare in the United States, but pose a huge problem in many regions, particularly southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Costa Rica is home to 22 species of venomous snake, according to the Costa Rica Star. The crucial finding, however, was an odd increase in snakebites during both El Niño and La Niña. El Niño brings hot, dry weather to Costa Rica; La Niña brings cool moisture.

Snakes also seem to be more active when the weather is warmer...another fact which I was unaware of. 

-Therese Latimer

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