'Tempting' heat draws snakes out into open

Animal rescuer Yogesh Panhale (23) is a busy man these days. With the mercury soaring, this young man has rescued over 36 birds, snakes and lizards so far this summer. The rescued creatures are 22 kites, six rat snakes, four cobras, three vipers and a vine snake. Panhale, a Byculla resident, usually ensures that heat-struck kites don't fall prey to dehydration. And the reason behind injuries to so many snakes is the heightened activity of the reptile in human habitations during summer months.

Dr Asad Rahmani, director of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), attributes this increased number of snake sightings to their cold blood. "The main reason for the increased movement of snakes in the summer is that they are cold-blooded. Since they cannot generate any body heat, they borrow the same from their environment. Snakes are mostly passive in the winters, though they become active for a few hours when they receive daylight. However, in summers, the atmosphere is warm enough for them to receive body heat and, hence, the heightened activity," said Dr Rahmani.

Summer is also their time to breed, adding to their increased activity, Dr Rahmani said, adding: "Summer is the time for snakes to breed and forage as during this period more insects are available for them to hunt. They are found to be as active in the monsoons. In fact, in north India, they remain active for six to eight months a year and hibernate during the winters in order to conserve body heat."