Snake saved from weekend shower lays eggs in bottle

Snake experts say the reptile, once released into the wild, will lay more eggs

The oviparous Buff Striped Keel Back Snake rescued by Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) laid eggs in the bottle it was kept in. The snake was rescued from NCH Colony, Kanjurmarg during weekend showers on last Sunday.

Sunish Subramanian of PAWS said, “This non-poisonous snake which when full grown is up to a foot. Being small and fast moving, it is difficult to catch them.However, this particular snake displayed minimal movement at the time of being rescued.”

The snake was kept in a bottle along with other snakes rescued during the rains. But when volunteers prepared to release it into the wild, they noticed it has laid four eggs in the bottle. Subramanian said, “We are trying to provide a suitable atmosphere to the snake to complete the hatching process.” Initially, the egg shell was tough but has become smooth now after two days.

However, snake expert and director of Natural History, Sanctuary Magazine, Anish Andheria, said, “Snakes hatching eggs in a bottle is a rare unless they are kept properly. The Buff Striped Kill Snake, which is known to lay over 30 eggs at one time, should be released into the wild immediately as it may lay more eggs.”

Andheria said snake eggs can rarely hatch in captivity unless provided surrounding with sand and saw dust. The eggs need moisture at a proper temperature to hatch which can not be available in a dry bottle.

Referring to smoothening of egg shell, Andheria said, “The eggs might be dehydrating”. Andheria said many times the eggs do not hatch, as they are laid without mating. “The eggs are present in female’s body and can be hatched only when it mates with a male. If they are laid without mating, they might not even hatch,” he added.