Babu literally in followed the footsteps of his father. He went on his first snake catching expeditions aged just ten, walking behind his father, watching and learning how to catch snakes.
His work typically involves catching snakes which have come uncomfortably close to people. Construction work, common in booming Indian cities such as Bangalore, causes the loss of snakes’ natural habitat. Consequently it’s not uncommon for them to move into areas close to human homes. Sometimes snakes will even get into houses or gardens. It’s common for them to move into areas close to human habitation overnight and for people to discover them during the course of their activities during the day.
Snake Catchers Catch Various Species
Babu reveals that ratsnakes, which are non-poisonous but have a nasty bite, and cobras, which are one of India’s commonest venomous snakes, are the species that he deals with most frequently. That said, there are many other species with which he comes into contact, including kraits, keelbacks and pythons.
If he has to catch a cobra he will suppress its head with an ‘L’ shaped piece of metal, but if it is a ratsnake then he will use only his bare hands.
There’s a nasty scar on the flesh between Babu’s thumb and forefinger. He was bitten there by a ratsnake several years ago, an event that’s noteworthy due to its rarity. Despite the apparent dangers of his job, Babu has been bitten only once by a venomous snake, a cobra. He had to be injected with an antivenin and, fortunately, suffered no major reaction or after effects.
The Snake Catchers' Busiest Seasons
The busiest times of year for Babu are the monsoon (June to September) and summer months (mid-March to May). This is because rain water and extreme heat tend to force snakes out of their holes and resting places. At these times of year he might get a couple of calls a day, but there are also periods during which few snakes need to be caught.
Sometimes Babu and Raja have to remove furniture and plant pots from houses in order to make room to capture snakes which that have taken up residence in buildings. On other occasions the pair have to dig into the earth around drains, to ensure they can capture resting snakes quickly and effectively.
Releasing Captured Snakes Back in the Wild
Once a snake is caught Babu feels obliged to release the animal into the wild, away from humans. He does not undertake anything complex, such as the milking of the snake’s venom, before freeing it. He simply drives 21 km down to Bannerghatta National Park, a couple of times a week, and lets the snakes go at a secluded spot on the edge of the jungle.
Babu and Raja will work anywhere within a fairly sizable area; anywhere between Bangalore, Mysore and Tumkur. They charge about 1000 rupees (about $25) to catch a snake.
That’s a lot of money to poorer families but for members of India’s growing middle class 1000 rupees is an acceptable sum for the safe removal of a snake and its return to the wild.
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