Reptiles finding their way into human habitats

Page IV . Bombay Times, The Times of India . Friday 21 August 2009

Though the monsoons have not gushed in with full force this year, we still need to be prepared to tackle the common problems that creep up during the rain. With the earthy wet soil stimulating a whiff of freshness all around, we can’t stop ourselves from taking beautiful rainy strolls through the mist, muck and …. and some dangerous crawling reptiles. Yes your guess is right; we can’t ignore the snakes that worry us during monsoons. Snakes are very commonly found in our suburbs because of rich green foliage that we are gifted with. Where there is dense greenery, there will be various inhabitants as they all form a part of the ecological structure created by nature.

Snakes come out in monsoons when their burrows get filled up with water. Snakes also seek dry areas when they are shedding their skin. As more builders start encroaching forest areas for residential and commercial constructions, more of the wild life gets diverted into the city. Snakes are gradually losing their nature habitat because of which they sneak into human dwellings looking for food. City snakes primarily thrive on rats. So logically speaking, unclean residential societies which have a lot of rat menace due to delayed garbage disposal invite more snakes.
Sunish Subramanian , the Founder and Secretary of PAWS-Mumbai, an animal rescue NGO, says, “A lot of snakes get spotted during monsoons of which the most commonly found are the spectacled Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Saw-Scalled Viper, Common Indian Krait and Vine Snakes. These are all venomous snakes. The Rat Snake (Dhaman) and the Banded Kukri are also found in large numbers in our suburbs but they are non venomous.”

Talking about precautions that residents should take in this regard, he further add, “Residents should make sure that their society lawns and bushes are neatly trimmed to provide less hiding space to those reptiles. Also, since snakes bury themselves into rat holes, societies should look out for such holes and seal them.”

A snake catcher affiliated with the Mumbai Fire Brigade says, “It’s a myth that snakes come out only in the night. Most of the calls that we get from local residents are during afternoon hours when snakes get out of their burrows to look out for food.”

Killing snakes is a punishable offence but when confronted with a danger situation, we humans try to find the quickest escape possible. If you spot a snake in your vicinity do not kill it, call a snake rescue team for help. Also make sure that you stay calm and do not provoke the snake until the rescue team arrives.

For prompt help, you may contact PAWS-Mumbai Helpline on 9892179542