Nearly 90 snakes rescued in NCR during monsoon

The monsoon season has brought a surge in snake sightings across the National Capital Region, as rains have driven reptiles out of their natural habitats and into urban areas. Wildlife SOS, a non-profit organisation working to protect India’s wildlife, reported close to 90 snake rescues between June and July across Delhi-NCR.

Rescue operations were concentrated in hotspots such as Green Park, Chhatarpur, Greater Kailash, and Ridge Road—areas bordering the Southern Ridge and Delhi Ridge forest patches. According to rescue data, South and Central Delhi witnessed the highest number of snake encounters this season.

Among the rescued species were some medically significant and venomous snakes, including the Indian cobra (Naja naja) and the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), both commonly feared.

However, a large number of the rescued reptiles were non-venomous species such as the Indian rat snake, black-headed royal snake, checkered keelback and buff-striped keelback. These are often mistaken for venomous snakes.

“These reptiles play a vital role in keeping rodent populations in check. The more people understand that, the better we can ensure coexistence,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS.