Save Lives of Snakebite Victims in Rural India

The Thirst that Leads to Danger

As summer reaches its peak in Kerala, the landscape changes. Surface water vanishes, and the cool shadows of the forest turn brittle and dry. For the snakes of Kottayam and beyond—including the majestic Spectacled Cobra and the heavy Indian Rock Python—survival means one thing: finding water and shade.

Unfortunately, that search often leads them straight into human dwellings, kitchens, and busy town centers.

The Data Doesn't Lie

Our recent data from the SARPA app tells a startling story. In Kottayam district alone, we have recorded hundreds of encounters in just the last few months. From the busy streets of the town to quiet rural backyards, the frequency of "human-snake" interactions has reached a critical high.

• 430+ Rescues: A massive surge in reports as snakes flee the heat.
• High-Risk Species: Frequent encounters with highly venomous Spectacled Cobras.
• Urban Encroachment: Snakes are increasingly found in populated areas where the risk of accidental bites is highest.

The Invisible Heroes on the Frontline

Behind every successful rescue is a volunteer. These brave individuals are the bridge between a potential tragedy and a peaceful resolution. They work around the clock, often waking up in the middle of the night to safely relocate a snake from a family's home back into the wild.

But there is a problem.

While TIES has worked tirelessly to train these volunteers, many are currently entering high-stakes situations without the proper tools. A snake hook and a bag are not just "gadgets"—they are the only things standing between a rescuer and a life-threatening bite.

The Mission: 500 Rescue Kits

Currently, the majority of our volunteers are operating with improvised tools or nothing at all. This increases the risk of injury to the rescuer and stress (or death) for the snake.

Our Goal: To provide 500 Professional Snake Rescue Kits to active volunteers across various districts.

Each kit ensures:

1. Safety for the Rescuer: Professional-grade hooks and tongs to maintain safe distances.
2. Safety for the Snake: Ventilated, secure transport bags that prevent injury to the animal.
3. Community Peace of Mind: Faster, more professional response times for terrified families.

Metric- Current Reality (Kottayam Data)

Documented Rescues- 446 rescues in just 5 months (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026).

High-Risk Encounters- 260 Spectacled Cobras (Venomous) rescued, often in residential areas.

Volunteer Equipment- Majority of volunteers are working without proper tools, risking bites.

Snake Welfare- Risk of injury to snakes (Pythons, Vipers) during improvised rescues.

Community Safety- High anxiety in town areas (Kottayam town alone shows frequent sightings).

How You Can Help

TIES (Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences) is committed to "Co-existence, not Conflict." Your donation today goes directly toward equipping a hero in the field.

• $25 helps maintain training resources for one volunteer.
• $75 provides a partial safety kit.
• $150 provides a full, professional rescue kit that will save hundreds of lives over its lifetime.

As the sun gets hotter, the clock is ticking. Help us turn "Snake Bytes" into "Snake Safety."

Donation Amount- The Impact

$30- Protective Gear: Provides heavy-duty safety gloves and snake bags for 1 volunteer.

$75- The Rescue Hook: Provides a professional-grade, lightweight telescopic snake hook.

$150- The Full Safety Kit: Equips one volunteer with a complete rescue kit (Hook, Bag, Gloves, and Transport Box).

$500- A District Unit: Supports the training and full equipping of a 3-person rapid response team.