HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) –  The Bermudan government says it has received a shipment of the appropriate antivenom for the deadly Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake even as it continues to probe how the animal came to be in the British Overseas Territory.

A government statement said that at this stage, possible explanations include accidental importation via cargo or illegal importation.

“The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a highly venomous species and should be regarded as dangerous. While such snakes generally avoid human contact, any bite would constitute a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. The public is reminded not to approach, capture or attempt to kill the animal. If sighted, individuals should move to a safe distance and call 911 immediately.”

According to the country’s Ministry of Public Works and Environment “the appropriate antivenom” is available at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“As the search for the snake continues, it is important that we have anti-venom on the island as part of our preparedness measures. Being bitten by a snake poses a significant health risk and ensuring that the appropriate clinical resources are available is a critical step in safeguarding both the public and our emergency responders,” said Health Minister, Kim Wilson.

“We urge everyone in the affected area to follow all safety guidance issued by the authorities, as community cooperation remains vital while this investigation is underway,” she added.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment said while it can confirm there have been no further sightings of the snake since midday last Friday, reports received from members of the public, including images of suspected tracks, have been assessed and do not match the movement patterns of this species.

The government said it is actively responding and continues to assess all information received and that efforts to locate the animal have included site verification, expert consultation, notifications to nearby residents and coordination with first responders and healthcare services.

“Capture and control strategies are in place, including the deployment of snake traps and rat bait stations which are being monitored from a distance. Members of the public are strongly advised not to undertake their own searches, investigations or attempts to capture the animal, as this poses significant safety risks.

“A structured ground search of dense vegetation carries risk, and preparations are under way to ensure that appropriate protective equipment and medical readiness are in place before this phase proceeds.”

The authorities are urging members of the public that in the event of a snakebite, they should “move away safely and put distance between you and the snake, remain calm and still, and keep the affected limb at about heart level.

“Individuals should not attempt to catch or kill the snake, should not cut the wound or attempt to suck out venom, and should not apply a tourniquet or ice. Alcohol should be avoided, and no medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen should be taken unless directed by a doctor, the ministry said, adding that “early medical treatment is critical, and every venomous snake bite must be treated as an emergency”.

The government said that it had also received a photograph of a suspected rattlesnake last Friday and that officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo attended the location with the individual who took the photograph and verified that the site matches the scene shown in the image.

“The photograph has since been independently assessed by two experienced herpetologists, both of whom identified the snake as an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Based on the photograph received, the snake is estimated to be approximately four to five feet in length. “Identification of the species has been confirmed through an independent expert review. The sex of the species has not yet been confirmed.”