Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The periphery of the industrial area of Waluj has reported spottings of a non-venomous common sand boa and the venomous common krait snake within a quick succession.Health professional and conservationist Dr Digambar Makey said he got a rescue call for a common sand boa on Tuesday morning, whereas locals had reported sightings of a common krait on September 14.The sand boa was spotted amid hustle and bustle at the beginning of the Ganesh festival. A large crowd turned up to see the snake, which is very calm in nature, he said, adding that the reptile will be released into its natural habitat shortly.Called mandul in Marathi, the common sand boas are native to India and feed on rats, mice, and other small rodents. The snake is among the most smuggled wildlife creatures because of the different superstitions associated with it.The common krait, meanwhile, is known as one of the big 4 venomous snakes found in the country. It was seen by local residents in the Bakwalnagar area of Waluj on September 14.The snake was slithering about in the evening in search of prey. Common krait is not that swift in movement when compared to other snakes and was easily caught for rescue, Makey said, adding that the creature was released into the wild after being kept under observation for a brief period.The common krait is largely nocturnal in nature and considered thesilent killer due to its non-aggressive yet lethal ehavior. Laced with neurotoxic venom that affects the peripheral nervous system among other areas of the human body, Common Krait feeds on other snakes along with rodents."Snakes do not attack humans unless provoked, and they keep the rodent population under check. All snakes, including non-venomous ones, are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and their killing or hunting attracts legal action," Honorary Wildlife Warden for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kishor Pathak, said.We also published the following articles recentlyCommon varsity bill brings VC under ambit of inquiryThe Gujarat Common Universities Bill includes provisions for an inquiry panel to investigate vice chancellors and the governments power to remove them if irregularities are found. The bill also retains the power of the Governor, appoints new members to the academic and executive councils, increases the tenure of vice chancellors to five years, and introduces rotational appointments for deans. The government will have no role in the utilization of a universitys reserve funds, but will contribute an amount equal to what universities collect for welfare.Depression, anxiety among teen schoolgirls common in Pb: StudyA study conducted in Punjab on adolescent schoolgirls has revealed a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study, which enrolled 600 female students from government and private schools, found that 68% experienced stress, 50.8% reported varying degrees of depression, and 58.7% experienced anxiety. The commerce group exhibited the highest prevalence of these mental health issues. Factors contributing to the high stress levels include unrealistic expectations, pressure from parents and teachers, and challenges in managing school priorities. Proactive measures are needed to address the mental health concerns among young individuals.New Town reptile sightings prompt swift career switch: Many turn professional snake catchersA rise in snake sightings and snakebites in New Town, Kolkata has led to an increase in demand for snake catchers. Many individuals, including former farmers and pest control experts, have changed professions to become snake catchers. Apartment complexes in the area are now employing these professionals to ensure the safety of residents. The snake catchers receive training and are equipped with tools such as gloves and snake-catching rods. The complexes have also taken measures such as procuring anti-venom vials and organizing awareness sessions with herpetologists.

Stay updated with all the Latest Aurangabad headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.