Panic in Bachupally apartment parking lot after snake sighting; Key bite safety tips
Bachupally: Panic ensued among residents of the KRCR Colony apartment in Bachupally after a snake was spotted within the premises. The 6-foot-long Oriental Rat snake (Ptyas Mucosa), also known as the Indian Rat snake or Dhaman, was discovered in the parking lot of the apartment complex.
Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Kiran, a resident of Sunrise Jewel Apartment in KRCR Colony, recalled the terrifying moment. “I noticed the snake while I was in the parking lot, and there were many people around at that time. We all panicked and immediately alerted the snake catcher, who came and rescued the snake. We all relaxed after that,” he said.
Kiran explained that construction activities near a lake, located some distance from the apartment complex, could have caused the snakes to move in search of new shelter. “Last week, a baby snake was found at my friend’s apartment. It’s highly dangerous for us, especially for the kids who play around here,” Kiran added. He urged residents to be more cautious, as sightings of snakes have become increasingly common, with Bachupally being close to the city’s outskirts.
Experts advise that when encountering a snake, it’s important to remain calm and avoid panic or aggression, as snakes are also frightened by human presence.
How to Prevent Snake Encounters:
• Avoid dense plantings: It’s best to avoid planting thick, low shrubs in communal spaces, as they can create ideal hiding spots for snakes.
• Routine inspections: Regularly check areas like corners, gardens, and other secluded spots to ensure there are no snake nests. Cleaning shared spaces with bleach or carbolic acid and mowing lawns frequently can help create vibrations that discourage snakes from nesting.
• Control the pest population: Since snakes prey on rodents, reptiles, and insects, keeping the pest population under control reduces the likelihood of attracting snakes.
• Keep emergency numbers on hand: In the event of a snake sighting, immediately contact local wildlife authorities who are trained to handle such situations.
• Don’t approach snakes: Unless properly trained, never attempt to interact with or capture a snake.
Steps to Take If Bitten by a Snake:
- Seek medical help immediately.
- Â First aid actions:
Remove any jewelry or watches to prevent them from cutting into the skin if swelling occurs.
Keep the affected area lower than the heart to slow down the spread of venom.
Remain calm and avoid moving, as movement can speed up venom circulation.
Clean the bite area with a sterile cloth and avoid washing it under running water.
Ensure the proper antivenom is administered as quickly as possible, and knowing the snake’s size, color, and shape will help doctors choose the correct treatment.
What Not to Do If You Are Bitten:
• Do not apply ice to the wound, as it may restrict blood flow.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom, as it can cause infection and increase your exposure to the venom.
• Do not apply a tourniquet to the area; instead, use bandages to minimize movement around the bite.
• Never attempt to cut the wound or guess whether the snake was venomous based on its appearance.
For any snake sightings, residents are urged to contact the following emergency numbers for assistance:
• Telangana Forest Department: 1800-425-5364
• GHSPCA (Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): 88867-43881, 93945-78568
Panic struck the residents of Sunrise Jewel Apartment in KRCR Colony, Bachupally, when a 6-foot Oriental Rat snake was spotted in the parking lot. The residents quickly alerted a snake catcher, who arrived and safely rescued the snake. Experts advise staying calm during such… pic.twitter.com/w5KB2Q4IV1
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) December 17, 2024
