Come monsoon, more snakes spotted in city

Hyderabad: Even a slight shower is enough for snakes to make their way out of their burrows. According to the Friends of Snake Society, the monsoon is the time when snakes come out and at times become a menace to netizens by entering homes. The Friends of Snake Society has been receiving over 100 phone calls per day about snake encounters.

This year, 2,600 snakes were caught and relocated to forests in Telangana. Avinash, secretary at Friends of Snake Society, says, "Last year, 5,600 snakes were caught and relocated. Every year, there is an increase of 500 to 600 snakes."

The Friends of Snake Society, which was formed in 1995 by like-minded people and started by Raj Kumar Kanuri, has grown by leaps. Today, the society boasts of 150 members spread across Telangana.

The society also conducts awareness programmes and works closely with the Forest Department. Interestingly, says Avinash, "Not a single person faced death-like situation, while rescuing snakes. There were two to three bite cases, but no one's life was threatened. We take ample precautions and train people."

Incidentally, many snakes were reported to be seen on Sagar Highway on the outskirts of the city. Praveen Kumar, a resident, said, "Many snakes have been spotted passing the road in this area," LB Nagar, Uppal, Vanasthalipuram, Hayatnagar, Attapur, Sagar Road, Gachibowli, Kukatpally, Lingampally, Miyapur are places in Hyderabad where snakes are being caught in large numbers.