Monsoon snake safety: Expert tips to stay safe and coexist

With the monsoon now firmly set in across Mumbai and June and July marking the hatching season for many reptiles the Maharashtra Animal Rescue Association MARA founded in 1989 is working to reduce humanwildlife conflict while rescuing snakes across the city The organisation recently rescued 12 baby spectacled cobras from a housing society in Chembur after receiving an initial distress call at around 1030 am about a snake trapped in a building ventStay calm and keep a safe distance if you encounter a snakeAs rescuers reached the spot residents continued to report more sightings from different parts of the premises Over the next 24 hours the team carefully searched the society and safely rescued all 12 hatchlings According to MARA the cobras had likely emerged after hatching in a suitable nesting site within or around the housing complex Once the rescue operation was complete all the snakes were released into the adjoining forested habitat within two to three hours away from residential areasSuch rescue missions are only a part of the organisationrsquos endeavours They also work to actively change the common view of reptiles among urban residents Having adapted to Mumbairsquos tropical climate snakes generally avoid conflict lay their eggs in peace and are often more intimidated by people than people are of themAn Indian Rock Python rescued from WadalaFounder Abhirup Kadam says ldquoWersquove realised over time that reptiles donrsquot stay confined to one place theyrsquore constantly adapting India has a lot of reptile species and Mumbai commonly sees the lsquobig fourrsquo venomous snakes mdash the Indian spectacled cobra Russellrsquos viper Sawscaled viper and Common krait As the cityrsquos green cover shrinks they are increasingly found close to human settlementsrdquoTo tackle these encounters safely MARA trains volunteers through a structured programme before they join rescue operations Divided into small groups trainees spend several months learning tactical rescue techniques through a curriculum comprising 70 per cent practical sessions and 30 per cent classroom learningThe training covers snake identification speciesspecific handling techniques rescue equipment safe capture and release protocols wildlife laws first aid and ways to minimise stress to both the animal and the rescuer Kadam says the emphasis is on teaching volunteers to prioritise safety and avoid unnecessary handling adding that only after successfully completing the programme are they allowed to accompany experienced rescuers in their designated areas and respond to rescue callsLog on to mara_indiaofficialCall 9322719307The secret to venomRussellrsquos viper and Indian spectaled cobraSawscaled viper and Common kraitBusting the mythsgtgt If you see a snake there must be more around There is no scientific evidence to support this Reptiles are highly adaptable and move frequentlygtgt All snakes are lethal and venomous Most snakes are nonvenomousgtgt Snakes chase and attack people Snakes generally strike only when threatened If you spot a snake keep your distance avoid trying to handle it or taking photographs or videos during the encounter Contact a trained wildlife rescuergtgt If a snake enters your home you should kill it immediately Killing a snake is neither necessary nor a solution Safely removing it through a trained rescuer is best for both people and the animalThe deadly quartetgtgt Stay calm Superstitions often cause panic after a snakebite The priority is to remain calm identify the snake if possible with precautions and seek immediate medical attentiongtgt Avoid common mistakes Do not suck out the venom apply a tourniquet or attempt home remedies Avoid taking any medication unless prescribed by a qualified doctor