On World Snake Day, Wildlife SOS steps up rescue and awareness efforts

Increased urbanization has led to a reduction in reptile habitats, resulting in humans encountering snakes more frequently.

New Delhi: Every year on July 16th, World Snake Day is an opportunity to talk about one of the most notorious and hurtful groups of animals. Snakes are not only misunderstood, but also surrounded by many myths and superstitions. In this regard, Wildlife SOS continues to save these snakes while raising awareness about them.

Rising urbanization has led to a reduction in reptile habitats, resulting in frequent encounters between humans and snakes. To reduce any negative interactions between snakes and people, Wildlife SOS conducts rescue operations in and around Agra. Recently, the NGO’s team rescued an Indian cobra from a wardrobe in a Greater Noida residence and an Indian rat snake from the Prime Minister’s home.

Snakes are very agile and can sometimes fit into the smallest structures, such as pipes, nets, cupboards, wardrobes, and bathrooms. Once they are found inside houses, vehicles, or densely populated areas, they can cause fear in people. If you encounter a snake that is obviously trapped and unable to escape on its own, it is important to seek professional help to prevent the reptile from further stress.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, advises: “It is vital to stay calm and avoid contact with reptiles. Snakes do not usually interact with humans unless provoked. The safest thing to do is to slowly and quietly move away from the snake. If the snake comes very close, back away gradually without making sudden or abrupt movements that might anger it. If feasible, enter the room, close the door, and seal any gaps underneath with cloth.”

Baiju Raj MV, Director of Conservation Projects at Wildlife SOS said, “During the monsoon, the likelihood of encountering snakes increases due to increased activity of reptiles and their prey. Keeping the surroundings clean and free of rodents helps in deterring snakes from entering our houses. If someone spots a snake, it is a common instinct to catch it immediately, but the issue of handling snakes should be strictly left to professionals.”

If you encounter a snake in areas where Wildlife SOS operates, its rescue teams can help. The organization has emergency helplines across the country for immediate support, namely in Delhi NCR (+91 9871963535), Agra (+91 9917109666), Vadodara (+91 9825011117) and Jammu and Kashmir (+91 7006692300, +91 9419778280).

Debunking myths by creating awareness among people is also a crucial step in starting a conversation on wildlife conservation. As a step towards outreach, Wildlife SOS is holding an awareness and education event at the Delhi Zoo to spread the word about various snake species and the rescue operations undertaken by the organization.