Slow and steady wins the race with snakes

BANGALORE: Reptiles tend to surface from their burrows during the rain. However, flooding is not the only reason for these cold blooded animals to resurface, especially the snakes.During the rains as the temperature drops, the serpents come out of their den to look for warmer places. “They usually look for places that are warm. For instance between gunny bags or sacks. They do this to adjust their body temperature,” said Shyam, a snake rescuer.According to 21-year-old Sanjeev, a snake rescuer who works with the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), “The snakes mate in Jan-Feb and they lay their eggs by June-July. There are two main reasons for snakes to be around especially during the monsoons. One, is hatching seasons. Eighty per cent of all Indian species of snakes hatch during this period. The second reason is that their main food, frogs, also procreate during the same time. Hence, the baby snakes go out hunting for the baby frogs,” he informed.Sanjeev also informed City Express about the BBMP’s newly opened wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Yeddur Lake. “The centre has been functional for the last one month. It caters to all kinds of wildlife animals that are injured or need treatment,” he added. Two months ago Sanjeev and his team rescued snake eggs from Bannerghatta. “Of the 21 eggs we rescuded, eight snakes have already hatched,” said Sharath Babu who is in charge of the facility. The facility is well equipped with an incubator in which the eggs are placed.On a daily basis the rescue team gets 15 calls. “According to the latest research done by TATA, it is not advisable to relocate snakes. Like dogs, snakes are also territorial. However, they are not as well accepted as the canines. The vipers owing to their muscular bodies, tend to stay in the new area. They barely move around and as a result they end up starving themselves. While the cobras and the rat snakes starve themselves while in search of a new territory,” Sanjeev explained.“Of all the snake species found in the country, only four snakes are venomous enough to kill the person. The rest are mild to slightly poisonous and the rest are rare. One of the rarest snakes in India is the Bamboo Pit Viper. I have only seen only one in the last nine years,” said Sanjeev. He feels it is as important to rescue the snake as it is for people to understand and respect the animal. “It is easier to educate the younger minds than to the older ones. Killing a snake is not an option. If there are no snakes, the number of rodents will increase. They are probably more dangerous than the snakes,” he said. According to Shyam, the last thing one should do is panic on seeing the snake. “It is very important to remain calm and composed when a snake is around. Too much activity can agitate the snake and evoke a defensive reaction,” said Shyam.There are 33 BBMP wildlife rescue personnel in Bangalore. If you spot a snake, either call the local police station or 9742084335.