Yesterday, I was working on some 'enhanced' electrical automation. I was at the switchboard near the main entrance door. The door was open, but I am always concerned about snakes in the colony — especially because of the near-phobia-level fear that Komala has.
I had the mosquito net door shut, as it usually is. I went into the other side of the room for something related to my electrical work and turned back, just about to cross the metal dog fence that I had placed to restrict Nero’s movement into the front area.
Perpendicular to my path was our TV unit against the wall and a side cabinet beside it. I noticed a slight movement beneath the cabinet, near the corner by the wall. I stopped mid-step and became alert.
I noticed a slender snake, perhaps around five feet long, with faint vertical striping.
A thought crossed my mind — if I could cross the fence and open the mosquito door, the snake might find its way out and escape. It must already be scared, perhaps even more than I was. I wasn’t exactly afraid, but I wanted to be cautious.
It didn’t look like a poisonous one — certainly not a cobra. More likely, it seemed like a non-venomous plant creeper, given its slender body.
But who really knows for sure? I am no expert after all.
Luckily, I had shut Nero in another room earlier, so there was no risk of him getting bitten by this unexpected visitor. That gave me a bit of mental space to think instead of react.
I paused for a few moments instead of rushing. As a safety measure, I wore my shoes anyway.
In the meantime, the snake began moving toward the main door, perhaps looking for an escape route.
I called for our watchman through our friendly neighbor. By then, the snake had made its way under the mosquito net shutter. It must have sensed the presence of people — the neighbors and the watchman were now at the gate.
I stepped out through the kitchen door, looking for a stick, which I couldn’t find. By then, the watchman had one.
I told him not to hit the snake — to just guide it toward the gate and let it escape. I don’t like hurting anything unnecessarily.
He confirmed with me if I was sure.
But he struck anyway — perhaps influenced by the neighbors or for his own safety. I understand where they come from: safety first, protecting the family from any future risk.
As the watchman pulled the snake out, we saw that it was not dead, even though its head was crushed.
I then told him to end it completely. I didn’t want it to suffer any longer.
Poor thing — it did no harm to me. It had simply wandered outside its boundaries and encountered the wrath of what is perhaps the most cruel animal — the human being.
Good thing Komala was not at home and was spared this entire episode. I guess for any of us, staying within our boundaries is crucial.
We seem to be lured out of curiousity or greed to step out of our home area and explore. But sometimes that may end up with a high price one way or the other. Be it snake or humans.
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