Seven Snakes Rescued From Snake Charmers in Maheshwaram Ahead of Nagapanchami

Ahead of Nagapanchami, the Friends of Snakes Society (FOSS), in collaboration with the Forest Department, rescued seven snakes from snake charmers across Hyderabad and surrounding areas, including four Spectacled Cobras in Maheshwaram.

The rescue in Maheshwaram was carried out after FOSS volunteers spotted snake charmers in the locality and alerted J Prabhakar, Forest Range Officer (FRO), Mankhal. Following the alert, FRO Prabhakar deployed Forest Beat Officer (FBO) Sai Varun to assist the volunteer team in safely recovering the captive reptiles.

According to FOSS General Secretary Avinash Visvanathan, the rescued snakes will undergo treatment and health monitoring to ensure their complete recovery. Once certified fit, the reptiles will be relocated to suitable natural locations with the assistance of the Forest Department.

Conservationists and forest officials warned that displaying live snakes causes severe suffering to the animals. In the days leading up to the Nagapanchami festival, snakes are illegally captured from the wild and held in captivity by individuals aiming to earn money from devotees.

Officials strongly urged the public not to encourage or financially support snake charmers during the festival. They also issued a warning against the common practice of devotees offering milk to captive snakes, clarifying that snakes do not naturally consume milk and that forcing them to drink it causes serious health complications.

Citizens who spot snake charmers or witness the illegal possession and display of snakes have been asked to report the matter immediately. Complaints can be made to the nearest police station, the Telangana Forest Department toll-free helpline at 1800-425-5364, or directly to the Friends of Snakes Society at 83742 33366.