Over 6,500 snakes rescued from city in the last six months

Hyderabad: Over 6,500 snakes, including 4,000 cobras, have been rescued in the last six months in Hyderabad. “We strongly believe that the number of snakes being killed has reduced because people have become aware of what to do without killing them. We get more snake rescue calls from urban areas that are being developed. Approximately, 20 snakes are rescued every day,” said Avinash Viswanathan, general secretary of Friends of Snakes Society.

“Overall 60,000 people are killed due to snake bites, across the country. More snakes are rescued during the peak season-October to November and July. We move them to forest areas across Telangana in collaboration with the state forest department,” he said

“The reason for more cobra population is that they have a generalist diet as they eat anything. Cobras are found more in LB Nagar, Gachibowli, Shamshabad, Kukatpally and Sheikpet. Meanwhile, anti-venom is found in all multispecialty hospitals, pharmacies and district hospitals,” he said.

“One should not panic on seeing a snake. In case of a bite, the individual should immediately rush to a nearby hospital or pharmacy in order to avoid secondary complications. Many of those who reached a hospital within two to three hours after a snake bite have survived,” he added