Dump yards turn haven for rat snakes

As food becomes scarce during summer, rat snakes venture out into the urban landscapes and dump yards. An ecologist pointed out that they noticed an increased number of burrows in the dump yards and it serves as a breeding ground for reptiles. 

J Subramanean, a herpetologist of Care Earth Trust, who did research on reptiles, told Dt Next that “Most animals conserve their energy during extreme weather conditions. They either lay dormant (having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep) or hibernate.” When they recently visited some parts, particularly dump yards, in the city, they saw many rat snakes slithering on the garbage mounds, he added. 

“Rat snakes need food in large quantities during summer. They prey on frogs, toads, lizards, small birds, rats, bats, chicks and other reptiles,” said B Vinoth, a wildlife biologist and a member of the team. 

Shravan Krishnan, a city-based animal activist and snake rescuer, said, “I get five to seven calls daily. It is not just venomous snakes that people are worried about. I get calls to catch rat snakes too.” 

When contacted, wildlife warden K Geethanjali said that “Every household should be kept clean and the forest department is also taking measures to rescue the snakes.”