Snake in Mérida zaps power lines, causing outage to hundreds in Centro

A 10-foot-long snake climbing power lines in one of Mérida’s most crowded areas was electrocuted in the most public way possible. The boa constrictor left dozens of businesses without electricity and had to be taken down by an electric utility crew in the San Benito market area.

The reptile was on the roof of a hotel on Calle 52 between 67 and 69 when it apparently tried to navigate some medium-to-high voltage cables. Its weight set off an explosion, killing it instantly.

Businesses on the road, and some side streets, were left without power for hours.

The incident left a gruesome scene which CFE workers had to clean up.

The explosion caught the attention of several passersby who quickly reported what happened to the police, so a unit of the Federal Electricity Commission will be in charge of resolving this situation.

Snakes in Yucatán

Here’s an improved version of the news story:

This is not an isolated incident in Yucatán. In recent months, snake sightings in urban areas have become more frequent, particularly in municipalities like Kanasín and Umán, which are part of the Mérida metropolitan area.

Related: Large boa startles family in Tekax

The rainy season is one of the primary drivers of this phenomenon, as it forces reptiles to seek refuge outside their natural habitats.

Another factor contributing to the presence of these animals is urban sprawl, which encroaches on forested areas where snakes typically reside.

In most cases, emergency services successfully capture the reptiles and release them back into their natural environment. However, in situations like the recent incident in downtown Mérida, the consequences can sometimes be fatal for the animals.

In the Yucatán, many residents share stories of venomous snakes, leading to a common belief that the region is heavily infested. However, despite extensive exploration, encounters with venomous snakes are rare. The Yucatán Peninsula is home to five species of dangerous snakes: the Variable Coral Snake, Neotropical Rattlesnake, Cantil, Barba Amarilla, and Jumping Pitviper. These species are primarily nocturnal, and most are found in specific regions, with only a few posing a threat in the northwest areas near Mérida.

Experts advise normal precautions when in snake habitats, such as gardens or areas with thick underbrush. They also recommend familiarizing oneself with the appearance of venomous snakes, particularly the coral snakes and pit vipers, to avoid unnecessary measures like killing them.

While some non-venomous species mimic venomous ones, most snakes here are harmless. Importantly, snakes play a crucial role in the ecosystem, particularly in controlling rodent populations.