We accidentally dial a wrong helpline number and end up troubling Varun, but he patiently answers all our queries.The moment we spot a snake we think of killing it. But this software engineer along with hundred other likeminded volunteers at ‘Friends of Snakes’ think of rescuing them. The love for wild life conservation drove Varun, to become a friend of snakes.
He shares with us one fact about snakes, which most of us doesn’t know. “Not many know about the cruelty meted out to snakes ahead of Nag Panchami. Usually snake worshippers think that snake drinks milk during Naag Panchami.Snakes can’t digest milk because they are not mammals.A month before Naag Panchami snake charmers cut the fangs of snakes and ties their mouth. They are not fed and are kept in a dark box for a month. On that particular day snakes are released. The snake will be so thirsty that not only milk even if you put maaza, thumbs-up, or pepsi it will drink that also, as it is the only option available. Since milk doesn’t suit them some of them die,he says.”
If you spot snake charmers on Nag Panchami give a call on 8347233366 and do your bit to save snakes.
Snakes attack when threatened
Avinash Vishvanathan, General Secretary of Friends of Snakes talks to Syeda Zahara Jabeen about the organization, different species of snakes and much more.
Q: Tell us about Friends of Snakes?
A: Friends of snake is an organization which rescues snakes. However,it is not limited to rescuing snakes. We conduct awareness programs in schools, colleges etc to educate about the different species of snakes. We sometimes join with the forest department and carry anti-poaching operations.
Q: What are the different species of snakes that are found in India?
A: Basically in India we have about 300 species of which only 60 are venomous. In Hyderabad we have only three types of venomous snakes- Common Krait which is black with white lines and is mostly found at night. Russell’s viper, it is four to five feet in length and has oval dark patches and the third one is Spectacled Cobra which is brown in colour with a hood.
Q: What is the total number of snakes that are rescued so far?
A: In 2013 alone we have rescued 2,567 snakes. And we have conducted around three hundred awareness programs educating more than three lakh people.
Q: What should we do if we spot a snake?
A: Don’t try to go near it. Snakes usually attack when they are threatened.Call on our 24X7 helpline number 8374233366 and keep an eye on the snake.
Q: How long will the rescuers take to reach a spot? Do you people charge?
A: Basically we take about 15-20 minutes to reach the spot as we have placed rescuers at different places across the city. And as far as ‘charge’ is concerned, our rescuer will ask for Rs 350. We don’t force any one to pay for a rescue operation. We generate funds through conducting workshops and awareness programs.
Q: After rescuing a snake what do you do with it?
A: We put them in our shelter located at Sainikpuri. Within a week we obtain permission from forest department and release them in the forest. We also treat injured snakes. If it’s a serious injury then we take help of Veterinarian from Nehru Zoological Park.
Q: Who can be a part of this organization?
A: Well, anybody who is passionate about the cause can be a member. But we strictly scrutinize the person who approaches us because there are people who want to join just to pose with snakes. Some people may want to catch snakes and sell them. In order to avoid misuse, we scrutinize the person.
Q: Tell us about the training?
A: Usually a volunteer undergoes training for a month. It again depends on the individual, some people grasp very quickly. First they are taught identification of venomous and nonvenomous snakes.Then they are made to handle a non-venomous snake before sending them for rescue operations.
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