India's snake rescuers: Can humans and serpents coexist in a megacity?

"101 East follows India's snake handlers risking their lives to rescue some of the country's most deadly reptiles. India's southern city of Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore, is famous for making the nation a global software hub, leading to rapid urbanisation. But it has another claim to fame: snakes. More than 30 species of snakes can be found in the metropolis, including the highly venomous Russell Viper, King Cobra, and Spectacled Cobra, leading to dozens of deaths every year."

"More than 30 species of snakes can be found in the metropolis, including the highly venomous Russell Viper, King Cobra, and Spectacled Cobra, leading to dozens of deaths every year. During the monsoon season, snakes often enter homes and crowded slum areas, triggering into action a ragtag group of snake rescuers. 101 East meets the Indian snake handlers risking their lives to rescue some of the country's most fearsome reptiles."

Bengaluru's rapid urbanization has created extensive human-snake contact across the metropolis. More than 30 snake species live in the city, including Russell Viper, King Cobra, and Spectacled Cobra, causing dozens of deaths annually. Monsoon rains push snakes into homes and crowded slum areas, intensifying encounters. A ragtag group of snake rescuers responds to calls, risking their lives to capture and remove venomous reptiles. These handlers operate amid dense urban neighborhoods and seasonal surges of snake presence, confronting dangerous species to protect residents and prevent fatalities. Volunteers and professionals often work with limited equipment and training.

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