Our partner NGO in south Nepal, the Mithila Wildlife Trust, operates a dedicated snake rescue team that responds to around two snake incidents every day in villages and urban areas across Madhesh Province.
This work is far more than wildlife protection. Most of the snakes they retrieve would otherwise be harmed or killed, often simply out of fear or ignorance. Even harmless species are routinely attacked because people struggle to tell the difference. Sadly, the instinctive reaction to any snake entering a settlement is still to kill it. Changing attitudes is therefore just as vital as rescuing the animals themselves.
Part of that change is helping people see that snakes are an essential component of the local ecosystem. All species – and that includes venomous ones – play a useful role in controlling pests. Rat snakes, for example, do an excellent job of keeping rodent populations in check.
The other crucial message is about snakebite management. Every year, thousands of people die needlessly because they follow the wrong advice after being bitten. Too often, valuable time is lost visiting traditional healers whose remedies may appear effective only when the snake was non-venomous to begin with. In cases of real envenomation, this detour is frequently fatal. The only proven treatment is antivenom administered by a trained medical professional – and it needs to be given within the critical first hour after a bite.
Our rescue teams make a point of explaining this ‘Golden Hour’ whenever they remove a snake, turning the gathered crowd into an impromptu classroom.
Snakes and human lives alike can be saved through adopting the correct approach, and can co-exist in harmony.
That said, it does present a challenge when a King Cobra is found in an outside toilet. See below:
Segway alert! The costs of this aspect of our work in south Nepal is entirely supported by a UK animal welfare foundation. The remainder of our projects are funded through gifts in Wills and The Big Give. Our Big Give Christmas Challenge is underway just now and you can make a gift online that automatically doubles in value (at no additional cost) through the button below.
The Challenge ends on the 9th December so please don’t miss this opportunity to make a high-impact donation this Christmas.
Strike fast!
