Heatwave drives snakes into wells: Rescuers on alert

With temperatures rising sharply along the coast, an increasing number of snakes are being found inside wells. Wildlife rescuers report that the intense heat compels reptiles to seek cooler, damp areas, making wells an accessible refuge. These snakes often fall accidentally while hunting for prey or seeking shelter.

Experts note that both environmental factors and well structures contribute to this phenomenon. During hot weather, snakes are naturally attracted to water sources and the dark, damp spaces within wells, which also draw in rodents. This year alone, numerous snakes, including pythons and spectacled cobras, have been rescued from wells. Rescue efforts can be challenging and require significant patience, especially when snakes fall into deep wells.

While such incidents can cause panic, rescuers stress the importance of careful handling. They often employ methods like lowering baskets or branches to aid the snakes' escape. It's clarified that the presence of a snake does not contaminate well water; this only becomes an issue if the snake dies and decomposes in the water. The increased sightings are also partly linked to the mating season for some species.