Mangaluru: As temperatures continue to soar along the coast, an unusual trend of snakes accidentally landing inside wells is becoming increasingly common. Wildlife rescuers say the spike in heat is forcing reptiles to seek cooler, damp environments, making wells an easy refuge. Most fall accidentally while searching for prey, shelter or escape routes.Akshay N Shet, founder, Uchhu Trust (Udupi Snake in the City), said that the presence of snakes in wells is often the result of both environmental and structural factors. “During hot weather, snakes are naturally drawn to water sources. Wells offer a dark, damp space that helps them beat the heat and also attracts prey like rodents,” he explained. This year alone, Shet has rescued 23 snakes from wells across the region. Recalling a recent incident in Kaup, he said three pythons, one female and two males, fell into a well. “We were alerted after dark. Entering a well is risky, so we either lower baskets or tree branches to help the snakes climb out. In this case, we waited for two days for them to emerge safely,” he said. In another instance at Brahmavar, he spent nearly two days retrieving a spectacled cobra that fell into a well. “Such situations often create panic, but rescues require patience and careful handling,” Shet noted. He also recounted an incident where a python, spotted on the raised wall (katte) of a well, jumped inside out of fear. Rescue operations are relatively easier during the monsoon, when rising water levels reduce the depth of wells. However, Shet cautioned that many incidents go unnoticed, especially in unused wells, where snakes may remain trapped for days. The most commonly found species include spectacled cobras, rat snakes, pythons and Russell’s vipers. Meanwhile, generally increased sightings are also linked to the mating season, particularly for cobras. He also addressed a common concern, clarifying that the presence of a snake does not make well water poisonous. “It becomes a problem only if the snake dies and decomposes in the water,” he added, noting that many trapped snakes are often stressed, weak and sometimes dehydrated due to prolonged entrapment.” Tauseef Ahmed of Mr Rescuer said that snakes often end up in wells while searching for cooler surroundings or in pursuit of food, as animals have limited access to artificial water sources. “We receive around four to five cases of snakes for rescue in a week,” he said, adding that larger snakes are generally easier to handle. He noted that people tend to be more cautious when it comes to species like cobras and vipers. However, he warned that attempting to enter a well is extremely risky due to the high chances of snakebite. “We usually place a net to trap the snake and lower tree branches into the well to help in the rescue,” he explained.
