To avoid disturbing sunbathing animals, rangers are urging hikers to mind where they step and to carefully check resting spots before sitting down as most bites usually occur as a result of human carelessness.
"A bite is a defensive reaction. It can happen if we accidentally step on a snake hidden in the grass," Jacek Boczar, spokesman for the State Forest Authority told public broadcaster Polish Radio.
"Most incidents occur when people are picking mushrooms or berries, or when they put something down—like a bicycle or helmet—and later reach for it again without realising a snake is nearby,” he said, adding that the viper reacts because it feels threatened.
(mo/gs)
Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek.