Stay Safe This Monsoon: Essential Tips for Handling Snake Encounters

As the monsoon season arrives, the likelihood of encountering snakes increases. Heavy rains and flooding can drive snakes into residential areas and gardens, seeking shelter and food. Here’s a guide from Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder of Wildlife SOS, on how to stay safe if you spot a snake in or around your home.

Understanding Snakes and Their Behavior

Many people have an instinctive fear of snakes, often fueled by misconceptions and a lack of knowledge. It's important to understand that snakes play a beneficial role in our ecosystem, such as controlling rodent populations. Out of over 170 snake species in many regions, only a handful are venomous and potentially dangerous to humans. Snake venom, while potent, is primarily used for digesting their prey rather than attacking humans.

What to Do if You See a Snake

1. Stay Calm: If you encounter a snake, the first rule is to remain calm. Snakes generally seek to avoid humans and are not aggressive unless threatened. They are primarily focused on finding food, mating, and self-preservation.

2. Avoid Provoking the Snake: Do not attempt to provoke or handle the snake. Snakes only become defensive when they feel cornered or threatened. Mishandling or provoking a snake can lead to bites, which can be dangerous, especially if medical help is not readily available.

3. Call the Experts: If a snake is in your house, avoid trying to capture it yourself. Contact a professional wildlife rescue service or the local forest department immediately. In India, you can call Wildlife SOS at 9871963535 for assistance. Provide them with a photo or video of the snake, your address, and GPS location to help them locate and safely remove the snake.

4. Secure the Area: If possible, contain the snake by closing doors and windows to limit its movement. This helps the rescue team to safely capture and remove the snake without risk.

Preventing Snake Encounters

1. Wear Protective Clothing: During the rainy season, wearing shoes and being mindful of where you step can prevent accidental encounters with snakes.

2. Keep Your Surroundings Clean: Snakes are often attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as rodents. Keeping your garden and surroundings clean and free of debris can discourage snakes from coming near.

3. Maintain Your Property: Ensure that your home and garden are free of potential snake habitats. Seal cracks in walls, repair broken floorboards, and clear out piles of rubble or old building materials where snakes might find shelter.

4. Educate Yourself: Learn to identify local snake species and understand which are venomous. This knowledge can be crucial in assessing the risk posed by a particular snake. Wildlife SOS and similar organizations can provide resources and advice on snake identification.

Handling Snake Sightings

• In the House: If a snake is spotted indoors, retreat to a safe distance and close off the room if possible. Do not try to handle or corner the snake. Wait for professionals to arrive.

• In the Garden or Park: If you see a snake in an outdoor area, keep children and pets away. Move slowly and steadily away from the snake to avoid startling it. Observe from a distance and let the snake find its own way out if it is not in a confined area.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of dangerous encounters with snakes during the rainy season and ensure a safe environment for yourself and your family.