Forest department trains 850 snake catchers; nearly 500 snakes caught

KOTTAYAM: The snake catchers trained by the forest department have become the saviours of 496 snakes and as many humans in three months. There are 850 snake catchers with the approval of the forest department. They have also been given a license. This certificate is for five years. They were also provided with kits containing safety equipment. They have been taught the features and species of snakes. They are not alone in the mission. The team includes forest officials and volunteers.

Anyone who wants to seek the service of these snake catchers can apply online through the SARPA app. As of yesterday, 5066 people have sought the service. Though the snake catchers went to various regions, most of the snakes were non-venomous.

The SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue Protection Application) application is a system for reporting venomous snakes and removing the snake from the area. It can be downloaded from the play store. Upon seeing a snake, people can seek the service of the strained snake catchers by uploading a picture of the snake or its den to the application. The app also has information on hospitals where snake bites are treated.

The trained snake catchers catch the snake using the scientific method called the bag and pipe method. When a bag and a pipe are placed on a region, the snake will enter the bag thinking that it is a hole. Thus it can be trapped inside the bag without touching it. The snake will be later released into a safe place.

Snake catchers: 850

Officers: 320

Volunteer: 530