Members of the Kalapara branch of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali have rescued a six-foot rat snake (darash) and a one-and-a-half-foot kalnagini snake in Kalapara, Patuakhali. Both snakes are now being treated.

The rat snake was found tangled in a net at the home of farmer Nilkanta in Pakhimara village of Nilganj union on the morning of Tuesday, 5 May. The same day a kalnagini snake was rescued from the house of Masud Molla in West Senatala village. The two snakes were then taken to the upazila livestock office for treatment.

The rescuers said the dark-brown rat snake is entirely non-venomous, while the kalnagini, with red and black stripes and a green-yellow sheen, is mildly venomous.

Bayzid Ahsan, team leader of the Kalapara branch, said: "We went to the spot quickly after getting word on our hotline and rescued the two snakes. As they were injured, they were given first aid. When they recover, they will be released into a protected forest."

Sub-Assistant Livestock Officer Md Ali Ahsan said: "The two snakes are now under observation and are receiving the necessary treatment. They will be released into their natural habitat once they recover."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.