Bangalore: Its raining snakes in low lying areas after the deluge last thrusday. The BBMP wildlife rescue team is overwhelmed with complaints and requests from residents.

Over a dozen snakes, including baby cobras, have been rescued in the last six days from residences in different parts of the city. The snakes were found in a tumbler in one residence, on a bed in another and under the dining table in yet another. Since the snake varieties include poisonous ones, it has been a close call for the residents.  

Experts say that the problem of snakes entering houses is due to two reasons: water logging and ongoing drain repair work. They say the season (June, July and August) when eggs hatch is just over and water logging and work on drains are forcing the young snakes out.

The BBMP wildlife rescue team says it has had its hands full ever since the downpour. “There has been a sharp increase in the number calls to rescue snakes,” said Mohan Kumar, BBMP wildlife rescue team member. “Three snakes, including a baby cobra, were rescued on Tuesday. One was found under a dining table. Baby cobras are far more dangerous as they tend to strike out of fear. They also inject maximum venom unlike adults, which neither strike immediately nor release maximum venom.”

A month-old spectacled cobra was rescued from a house in HBR Layout, while a rat snake was rescued from Hebbal Kempapura. Another cobra was rescued from a residence in Ramamurthynagar. Nine of the 12 rescued were baby cobras, two were rat snakes, and the other was a Russell’s viper.

It is reported that the calls to rescue snakes have come mostly from Indiranagar, Ulsoor, Ramamurthynagar, Hoysalanagar, Hebbal Kempapura, HBR and HRBR Layout.

The BBMP has asked residents who sight a snake to call the helpline.” BBMP helpline: 22221188 or BBMP wildlife team: 9880108801.