Paradip, Aug. 20: People living close to the Bhitarkanika national park are panic stricken as venomous snakes such as pythons and cobras have made their way into human habitations.

Despite the threat to human life and domesticated animals, residents have abstained from killing the reptiles. Though there are reports of snakes straying into village areas on a regular basis, there has been no loss of human life due to snakebite. However, there are reports of pythons feasting on livestock.

Forest officials received many complaints of pythons intruding into houses near the national park over the past few months. On receiving complaints, the national park officials took prompt action to catch the reptiles.

"A python was spotted in a cowshed here. We were frightened. But instead of killing it, we informed the forest officials. In no time, they caught the snake and released it into the forest. As we live near the jungle area, we have to deal with such eventualities," said Iswarpur resident Pradeep Das.

Bhitarkanika's mangrove eco-system is home to more than 3,000 snakes such as cobras and pythons. Snakes create fear among people but these carnivorous reptiles attack humans only when they are threatened or intimidated. "We plan to help people, especially schoolchildren, to overcome their fear and illusions about snakes," said Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

"Snakes attack humans only when they feel threatened. As people did not harm the animals, they were safely rescued and released into the forest," he added.

Kanika forest range officer Akshay Kumar Nayak said that last year, residents of Khola village close to the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary had rescued a 10-ft-long python in a distressed condition. The forest department had appreciated the gesture and given a cash incentive to the local village body. He said people had started taking the initiative to rescue snakes. Earlier, this area had attained notoriety for poaching.

"The forest department is organising awareness campaigns regularly at villages near the sanctuary. Villagers were convinced not to harm snakes and other reptiles, if they are seen in their neighbourhood. All creatures are a part of our ecosystem and important to the environment. It seems our endeavour is paying off as people are now rescuing snakes," Nayak added.