Snake rescue helpline receives over 200 calls

“We usually receive 25-30 calls a week regarding snake rescues. However, during the rains, the number doubled to around 200 calls,” says Dinesh Baba, a volunteer with PFCI, who is involved with rescuing snakes. The team gets calls from panicked residents who have been spotting these reptiles with increasing regularity. Carrying out the rescue is not easy for volunteers. “The major challenge we face is reaching the spot. We prefer going on a two-wheeler as it is the fastest. However, our bikes have not been able to go to places that are inundated with water, so we have had to walk kilometres reach the location,” says Nishanth N, founder of Save Earth for Next Generation (SENG), who work along with Forest Department for the rescue work.

The floods have caused snakes, scorpions and other nocturnal reptiles to leave their natural habitats and look for a new place to hide. “They seek refuge under four-wheelers and two-wheelers and it becomes difficult to rescue them from there,” says Nishanth, adding, “There no way to keep these snakes away, especially during monsoon but what people can do is ensure that there is no garbage around the areas because they attract rats and snakes will come following them.”

There is not enough awareness about snakes. People either kill them or play with them. There also have been many cases of snake bites during the past few weeks. “There are around 33-40 species of snakes found in India, out of which only around five are venomous enough to take human life. If you spot a snake indoors. Vacate the room and lock it till someone comes to rescue it. Keep a safe distance from the reptile. Though most snakes found here are not dangerous, don’t take a chance. If it’s outdoors, do not near it and ensure that all windows and doors are shut. It is most likely that I will eventually move away. Do not hurt it,” says Ajay Kartik, Assistant Curator at Madras Crocodile Bank.

Rescuers have found both venomous and non-venomous snakes and placed them safely in their natural habitat. “Not everyone can rescue a snake. The volunteers need to be trained before getting on to the field. We rescue the snake and leave it in a safe place, within one kilometre. We take the snakes to the Vandalur zoo for treatment,” says Dinesh.

Some of the species rescued in Chennai during the floods

Non venomous - Rat snake, Checkered keelback, Sand boa & Wolf snake

Venomous- Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, Indian krait & Bungarus

In case of snake bites: Remain calm and do not panic. Remember the snake’s shape, size and colour. Keep the bitten area steady to prevent the venom from spreading. Secure the bitten area with a sling, but don’t tie it too tight as it will restrict blood flow. Rush to hospital as soon as possible.