Python, two venomous kraits rescued in Agra

 Uttar Pradesh Forest department officials in cooperation with NGO Wild Life SOS, today rescued a five foot long python and two venomous kraits.

The kraits were rescued from a 10-feet deep borewell in Bilati village in Panwari area. The snakes rescued after 30-minutes operation were found in good health and have been safely released back in natural habitat.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, "Snakes are often demonized due to the suspicion they are often surrounded with, but in reality, a snake never strikes unless it's forced to defend itself. Nonetheless, it is extremely important to take certain precautions while dealing with snakes, especially those that are venomous. Sometimes these rescues can be dangerous and risky, but our team is trained to handle and carry out such sensitive operations, in the interest of public safety and protection of urban wildlife."

Baiju Raj M.V, Director Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said "Kraits are often found resting in crevices, rodent burrows, termite mounds or under rocks etc. during the day. This particular species is commonly found in close proximity to water and they feed primarily on other snakes, rodents, frogs, toads and lizards."

Earlier a 5-foot-long Indian Rock Python was rescued from a Bajra field in Agra. This was the third catch in three days. The reptile has been released in the wild near Keetham Lake.

A local environmentalist Shravan Kumar Singh said "If ever there was a need to advocate the prevention of encroachment of wild habitat, it is clearer than ever today. In the past few days so many reptiles, snakes, pythons, birds have been rescued from human settlements in Agra which is expanding in all directions at the cost of green cover."

Baiju Raj M.V, Director Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said, "The village is located close to the Yamuna River and as pythons are excellent swimmers, they prefer living close to water bodies. Additionally, due to shrinking habitats and loss of natural prey base, these unique reptiles are often forced to move into human settlements in search of easy prey.IANS