Patna: “Don’t fear snakes, understand and protect them” — this was the key conservation message as Patna Zoo began Wildlife Week on October 2. The week-long programme focuses on helping people understand wildlife, respond safely to encounters and support conservation.
The week-long programme, being held from October 2 to 8, will feature expert talks, awareness activities and competitions focusing on different wildlife species. The opening session focused particularly on snakes, their identification and safe rescue practices.
Experts Urge People Not to Kill Snakes
During the first expert session, technical expert and herpetologist Abhishek explained how people can identify different snake species, including venomous, non-venomous and mildly venomous snakes found in Bihar.
A live demonstration on safe snake handling and rescue was also conducted for participants. The session aimed to help people understand snakes better and respond safely when they encounter them in residential areas.
Abhishek advised people not to try to catch or kill a snake if they find one inside or near their homes. Instead, people should maintain a safe distance and inform the Forest Department’s trained rescue team.
He also suggested that people can take a photograph of the snake from a safe distance, if possible, and share it with the authorities. This can help trained rescuers identify and safely relocate the animal.
He explained that most snakes generally do not attack people unless they are disturbed or feel threatened. Better awareness about their behaviour can therefore help reduce unnecessary panic and conflict.
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Awareness on Snakes, Crocodiles and Flood Situations
The expert session also covered different snake species found in Bihar and discussed crocodile species.
Special attention was given to situations during floods, when snakes and crocodiles may enter populated areas. Participants were informed about the precautions that people should take when wildlife moves closer to human settlements during such situations.
The emphasis remained on maintaining distance, avoiding attempts to handle wildlife and contacting trained rescue personnel rather than taking risks.
Why Wildlife Awareness Matters in Bihar
Zoo Director Hemant Patil said Wildlife Week should not be limited to remembering wildlife but should also encourage people to understand animals and their role in conservation.
He highlighted the importance of even smaller species in maintaining ecological balance. Although Bihar has limited forest cover, the state remains important from the perspective of biodiversity and wildlife.
According to Patil, greater public awareness is essential for improving coexistence between people and wildlife. Understanding animal behaviour can help reduce unnecessary harm to wildlife while also improving public safety.
The participation of school students, interns and volunteers is also intended to bring conservation awareness to younger audiences and encourage responsible behaviour towards wildlife.
Wildlife Week Programme Continues Till October 8
The Wildlife Week programme will cover a different theme on different days.
On October 3, an awareness programme on human-wildlife conflict and wildlife rescue will be organised, followed by an expert session on mammals.
On October 4, experts will discuss elephants along with turtles, tortoises and terrapins.
A special lecture on Gangetic dolphin conservation is scheduled for October 5. The programme will focus on the importance of protecting the riverine species and its habitat.
On October 6, the Bihar Biodiversity Board will organise a wildlife quiz for school and college students. The quiz will provide young participants with an opportunity to learn more about Bihar’s biodiversity and wildlife.
An expert lecture on bird conservation will be held on October 7.
The week will conclude with a closing ceremony at Patna Zoo on October 8.
Recognising Forest and Wildlife Personnel
The opening programme was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arvind Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden Abhay Kumar, Special Secretary Alok Kumar, CCF (IT) Amit Kumar and CCF Wildlife Circle Satyajit Kumar, along with other forest department officials and wildlife experts.
Forest personnel who performed well in their duties at Patna Zoo were also honoured during the programme.
Building Safer Human-Wildlife Coexistence
The Patna Zoo Wildlife Week programme combines conservation education with practical information on dealing with wildlife encounters. Sessions on snakes, elephants, dolphins, birds, mammals and other species are designed to help participants understand why wildlife protection matters and how communities can respond safely to encounters.
For residents, one of the most practical messages from the opening session is simple: do not panic or attempt to kill a snake when you see one. Maintain a safe distance and contact trained wildlife rescuers.
Such awareness can help protect both people and animals while supporting a more responsible approach to wildlife conservation in Bihar.
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