BENGALURU: Wildlife rescuers and wardens in the city say that they have been receiving over 150 requests seeking help to catch snakes every day.
The 7-member rescue team is not able to meet all the demands. Rescue calls are likely to increase in May and June as hatching is expected. “We urge the GBA to double the number of rescuers,” said a warden.
A wildlife warden said that two rescuers have been deployed for the West City Corporation (112 wards) and the South City Corporation (72 wards), and one each is allotted for the rest of the City Corporations.
“With a honorarium of Rs 18,000 paid once in three or five months after repeated follow-ups, we struggle to reach the spot and save both the reptile as well as human life. The corporations should appoint more rescuers,” said the warden and added, the task is draining them mentally as well.
With no transportation and equipment from civic body side, the rescuers are forced to travel on a bike and risk carrying snake tongs or sticks (5-ft long), a metal hook used to lift or move snakes, particularly effective for smaller, flighty, or nervous snakes without causing trauma, snake bags, pinning tool, personal protective and supporting gear like gaiters (protective gear worn around the lower leg (ankle to knee) to defend against bites), snake gloves, PVC pile to trap and relocate on their own.
“In Bengaluru City, Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Spectacled Cobra, and Chequered Keelback are commonly found.
Due to summer, the snakes come out of their habitat and enter gardens and parks to keep themselves cool. The reptiles are very unpredictable, and trying to handle the snakes on their own, residents may encounter bites or end up killing the snake due to fear. Hence, we have to rush to spot on time to save lives. If the officials give a van, it will be useful,” said a rescuer.
The rescuers say, not all the calls are addressed by the civic body, as residents cannot wait for long and reach locals and others. With May, June, and July being the hatching season and also due to heavy rains, the rescue calls may reach 200 per day.