Bengaluru News: Bengaluru struggling with rising snake numbers and delay in rescue operations

Bengaluru: The snake breeding season is here and Bengaluru residents are reporting snake sightings around their homes and neighbourhoods. According to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) wildlife rescue team, the number of snake sightings is particularly high in the newly added 110 villages in Bommanahalli, Byatarayanapura, Dasarahalli, Mahadevapura and Rajarajeshwarinagar areas, although calls from within the city limits are less than those from these developing outskirts. In the last week alone, they have received over 100 calls, with an average of 30 calls per day, most of which are from Yelahanka and Bommanahalli areas. Citizens say that even after dialling the BBMP helpline, the rescue process is taking a long time. Sachin, a resident of Gyan Bharati ward, said he spotted a snake inside his house at 4 pm and immediately informed the BBMP wildlife rescue team. However, the rescue team arrived only at 7 pm. He said, “We were all very scared, we didn’t know which snake it was. Some people asked us to kill it. But we informed the BBMP. However, we didn’t know we would have to wait so long.” The BBMP animal welfare team confirmed to DH that the team has only seven members and it is challenging even for them to ensure that all rescue calls are attended to and snakes are saved. BBMP animal welfare warden Prasanna Kumar said the most spotted snakes include cobras, Russell’s vipers and water snakes. He said, “Since it is the breeding season, there are many baby snakes and snake hatchlings in vacant lots and bushy areas that come out to escape the heat and humidity due to light rain.” According to him, people have a tendency to abandon snakes in their infancy, assuming they will not be venomous. “Most deaths are caused by baby snakes. This is because snakes are born with sharp teeth and venom,” he explained, and warned that killing them is not healthy for the environment. He advised that if any kind of snake is seen, it should be reported to BBMP. Forest Deputy Conservator BLG Swamy advised that in case of snake bite, citizens should not panic but immediately take a dose of anti-snake venom from the nearest government health centre or hospital. Ballari-based snake rescuer Vattam Aditya said that it is advisable to get treatment within two hours of snake bite.