Slithering Saviors: The Snakes of Bangalore and Why We Need Them

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 When we think of Bangalore’s wildlife, snakes may not be the first creatures that come to mind—but perhaps they should be. Often misunderstood and unfairly feared, these remarkable reptiles are not just surviving in our ever-expanding city—they're thriving, and in doing so, they quietly uphold the ecological balance of our urban environment.

Meet Bangalore’s Snakes

The city is home to a surprising variety of snake species, both venomous and non-venomous. Some of the most commonly encountered include:

  • Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) – A venomous but typically shy snake, often misinterpreted as aggressive when it is merely trying to flee.

  • Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa) – Non-venomous and lightning-fast, it’s frequently mistaken for a cobra due to its size and coloring.

  • Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) – A nocturnal, highly venomous species with a potent neurotoxin, rarely seen during the day.

  • Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) – One of the most dangerous snakes in India, often found in open fields and responsible for the highest number of bite incidents.

  • Checkered Keelback (Fowlea piscator) – A harmless water-loving snake often spotted near ponds and lakes.




Despite their differences, all these species serve a crucial ecological function.

Nature’s Pest Controllers

Snakes are natural predators of rodents, frogs, and insects, making them nature’s own pest control agents. For instance, a single Indian rat snake can devour dozens of rodents in a month, helping limit the spread of disease, safeguarding food storage, and reducing agricultural damage.



Barometers of Ecosystem Health

Snakes are also excellent bioindicators. Their presence—or absence—can reflect changes in habitat quality, pollution levels, and prey populations. In a rapidly urbanizing city like Bangalore, monitoring snake populations provides key insights into the overall health of the environment.

From Conflict to Coexistence

Unfortunately, fear and misinformation often lead to unnecessary killings. Snakes found in gardens or homes are frequently harmed, even when they are harmless. But with greater awareness and responsible action, peaceful coexistence is entirely possible.

Organizations like People for Animals (PfA) Wildlife Hospital are at the forefront of this movement, rescuing snakes, educating the public, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict across the city.

You can help too:

  • Keep outdoor areas free of debris.

  • Seal off potential entry points in homes.

  • Contact trained rescuers instead of reacting out of fear.

The Bigger Picture

Snakes are an essential link in the food web. Without them, rodent and insect populations could grow unchecked, leading to a cascade of effects across ecosystems, including impacts on birds of prey, small carnivores, and even plant regeneration.

Every snake rescued and every life spared contributes to a more balanced and thriving urban jungle.

It’s time to rewrite the story.
Let’s move from fear to understanding, from aversion to respect. Snakes are not intruders—they are fellow residents, guardians of ecological balance, and a vital part of Bangalore’s biodiversity.



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