Menacing snakes are actually shy animals, reveals rescuer

Mohan says that when one spots a snake, the best thing to do is call 100, 112, 114 or 188, and let the experts manage it

Vasudha Zora | NT

Bengaluru: Snakes are shy animals. Anything larger than them scares these reptiles, and their first response to such a situation is to scoot.

During the summer months, snakes are regularly cited in homes, vehicles and even helmets. Due to the ecological shift and developing modern societies, the habitat of wild snakes living in urban settings has come down. Factors such as animal cruelty, lack of awareness, as also social stigma contribute to their dwindling numbers.

According to snake rescuer Mohan, there are four very commonly found species of snakes in Karnataka out of which 36 sub-species have gone extinct. The cobra and viper are venomous, while rattlesnake and water snakes are non-venomous. When someone comes across a snake, they should maintain a safe distance, advises Mohan.

While snakes have a very short memory, just like their short lifespan of 10-12 years, they have a clear vision up to 20 feet and a very strong sense of smell, which extends that radius. If they come across an animalistic smell, then their predatory instincts kick in and they begin to navigate the prey. Mohan says that when one spots a snake, the best thing to do after staying away from it is to call government helplines 100, 112, 114 or 188, and let the experts manage them.

Smart City projects have been adding concrete structures, thus reducing the animal’s habitat due to which many of them are seen in human settlements. And with deforestation this problem has only escalated. Snakes are very important for managing the ecological balance.

The coming decade might prove to be a great threat to their population. Cobras and rattlesnakes are always on the move to hunt for food. Their diet includes birds, frogs, rats and other snakes. Since snakes require a temperature of 36 degrees Celsius to thrive, they can be easily spotted in homes and cooler places. They do so only to regulate their body temperature, which is essential for their survival.

Mohan also shares that the months of January to April are mating months for the cobra. In this period, they lay a good number of eggs that hatch after 60 days. It is said that the long mating period helps sustain their numbers.

But the constant struggle for food and habitat results in many of the snakes never making it into adulthood as most are hunted or become victims of microbial infections.