168 cases of animal bites and stings recorded at Erbil hospital

ERBIL — Rizgari Teaching Hospital in Erbil recorded 168 cases of animal bites and stings during September, according to data released by the hospital.

The report, covering the period from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 2025, showed 86 cases of scorpion stings, 80 dog bites, and two snake bites.

The the rise of scorpion stings is mainly attributed to seasonal changes and warmer weather, which have led to increased activity among snakes, scorpions, and other wildlife.

Last year in May, Erbil saw an increase in scorpion stings and snake bites, with 49 cases reported in May, compared to only four in April.

In 2023, Erbil documented over 700 cases of dog bites, averaging about two incidents per day.

In response to the escalating incidents, Erbil has taken measures by establishing a shelter dedicated to gathering stray dogs and addressing the concerns.

Stray dog attacks continue to be a pressing issue in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, leading to increasing calls for measures. Stray dogs have been responsible for several attacks, some resulting in fatalities, particularly among children.

Officials in Erbil say more than 30,000 stray dogs have been collected from the city and surrounding areas and transferred to shelters.