Living with the snakes

Rana Preet Gill

In a world dominated by us, human-snake conflict is the perfect example of shrinking ecosystems where we frequently come in contact with the reptiles. The conflict results in 2.7 million people around the world suffering from serious snake bite every year. In India, around 46,000 people die every year because of snake bite with an equal number of snakes being killed.

Out of the 270 species of snakes found in India, about 60 are poisonous. Interestingly, only four of these are deadly poisonous, namely Indian cobra, Krait, Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper.

The presence of snakes around our premises has upped the demand of snake catchers or snake rescuers. They risk their lives for their love for the reptiles. Last month, a snake catcher from Malout lost his life after he was bit by a venomous snake at Nashik in Maharashtra as he was trying to release the python into the forest. However, his ilk continues undeterred.

Nikhil Sanger, a wildlife enthusiast and painter from Nawanshahr, has been rescuing snakes for the past 12 years. Amongst the hundred-odd calls that he gets every day from the people, he chooses to attend only when snakes enter the human territory, precisely our homes. “Spotting of a snake in the open is not a cause of concern as the waste generated by us invites rodents and snakes prey on them.” He cites the lack of awareness amongst the general public as the main cause of this territorial dispute catapulted by the shrinking of forest land.

Vijay is another rescuer active in and around Mohali. He says snake bite deaths can be reduced if awareness programs are undertaken throughout the country by the government. For the death of reptiles at the hands of human beings, he blames the lack of scientific temperament amongst people. “They fail to realise that snakes keep rodent population under check.” He also tells that many snake bite deaths can be avoided if people follow the protocol for treatment. “Unlike anti-rabies vaccine, which is readily available at all the hospitals, anti-snake venom is costly and is available at only select hospitals,” he points.

Experts say that majority of snakes never attack unless threatened. A snake is a predator that acts in stealth. There is neither any movement nor any rumble, making us unaware of its presence and less cautious too. This is one of the main reasons why we end up accidentally stepping on it or touching it. Any untoward touch is always taken as an intrusion and leads to bite. Herpetologists encourage and guide people towards taking precautions when undertaking rescue missions and while venturing into the dark. Sanger suggests wearing coveralls and long boots and carrying a torch and a stick at night. He says that while clearing garbage and dense bushes around our homes, which can provide refuge to a snake, too these precautions need to be kept in mind.

Indian Snake Rescue Network, a premiere organisation that works for the rescue and habitation of snakes captured from human dwellings. It states that this conflict has reached epidemic proportions and learning to co-habit seems to be the only way to move forward.

The hiss is fading