What to do when you find a snake in your garden

While caring for your tulsi and lavender plants in your garden, you felt a strange sensation of being watched. Naturally, you became alert - a common reaction after watching too many crime thrillers. You scanned your surroundings to find the source of this feeling when suddenly…you found yourself staring into the eyes of a snake. It was an unexpected and uncomfortable situation.

The snake didn’t seem too pleased about this encounter either, especially with a human wielding large clippers. Now, you can’t help but wonder if you would have preferred the critical gaze of curious neighbours over this slithering creature staring back at you.

Suddenly, the snake flicks its tongue, and your childhood fear of snakes escalates with full force. After all, don't they make so many movies about villainous snakes? Can it eat you? Can a snake, that's around 5 centimetres wide, devour a person?

But before you jump (to conclusions), let’s do a reality check

You should know for a fact that the snake experiences as much horror upon seeing you as you do upon seeing it. Generally, most snakes behave as shy creatures, preferring to slither away peacefully instead of awkwardly making eye contact with a human.

"Yes, You're probably wondering why the snake chose your garden, out of all places if it didn’t want to be there. Rats, which equate food in their language, or the destruction of its forest habitat, may have lured the snake there. So, now, what can you do?

You could actively work towards changes to preserve and regenerate forests, but you need to first address the snake that continues to slither around your garden. Should you catch it, trap it or even play a game of chess with it to decide who retains the ownership of the garden?"

Well, I would say that you must take the first step, which is… doing nothing. That's right. Doing nothing. Snakes don't generally engage with humans unless you provoke them in any way. So, I recommend moving away from the snake and making sure to bring any kids or pets indoors or keep them at a safe distance.

If the snake is very close to you, back away slowly. Avoid making any sudden or jerky movements that might threaten the reptile. If possible, enter a room, shut the door, and use a cloth to block the gap beneath the door.

Watch snake, call rescue if needed

No matter what, you should not attempt to catch the snake on your own! We all want to experience our hero moment, but it might be better to leave the task of catching snakes to trained professionals. The snake may defensively bite if it is provoked or mishandled. If the snake carries venom, such a bite could potentially lead to a fatal outcome.

Keep an eye on the snake's movements and trajectory if you can observe it through a window. If the snake has relocated from your garden to a neighbouring area with thick plants, it's likely you won't spot it again. But, if the snake goes into a cemented area such as a garage or a building, you should pick up your phone and start dialling. You can find the contact number of the nearest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation agency or your state's forest department with a quick online search.

Connect with them, explain the entire situation, and wait for the professionals to arrive at the scene. If you can identify the snake, inform the snake handlers about it over the phone, or manage to capture a photograph from a safe distance, send it to them. However, don't sweat if you aren't too familiar with snake species. The snake handlers have the right equipment and are always ready to handle any situation!

Stay calm, slow heartbeat, seek help

If a snake bites you in a frenzy, remember that the most important step is to remain calm. Of course, this experience can petrify you, especially if a venomous snake bit you, but you can safely take steps to treat it. Keeping your heartbeat steady and slow is the most essential method, as it slows down the venom spread in your body. Identify the nearest government hospital and seek help to get there as soon as possible.

All government hospitals are mandated to carry polyvalent anti-venom, which is the venom used to treat bites by the “Big Four” venomous snakes of India. They are the Spectacled cobra, Russell’s viper, Common krait and Saw-scaled viper. These snakes are responsible for the most snake bites in India. If you can identify or describe the snake to your doctors, it will go a long way in helping them treat you.

During monsoons, there is bound to be an influx of snakes in the shrubbery. You can keep your surroundings clean and free of rats, to deter snakes from coming there.

If you come across a snake in the regions we operate in, fear not! The Wildlife SOS Rapid Response team is always ready to help! We have 24x7 helpline numbers which you can contact in the followings areas:

Delhi NCR – +91 9871963535, Agra – +91 9917109666, Vadodara – +91 9825011117, Jammu & Kashmir – +91 7006692300, +91 9419778280.

Disclaimer 

This story is published in collaboration with Wildlife SOS.

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