Last Update:28 October 2024 14:08 IST

A rat snake can consume 15 to 25 mice per day. This is one of the main reasons why mice are called the farmer’s friend because they can destroy crops.

The rat snake does not pose any threat to humans.

Hearing the word “snake” is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. There are more than 300 species of venomous snakes in India alone, and their bites can often be fatal, potentially leading to death within a few hours. However, there is a special snake in India that, although poisonous, does not harm humans.

This snake is a mouse snake. Reports suggest that it does not pose any threat to humans, although it can occur anywhere. The mouse snake, known as the enemy of mice, belongs to the red snake species. This snake, found in the state of Rajasthan, is called “yellow snake” in the local language. Other reports describe him as a friend of farmers.

Local18 spoke to a snake catcher named Ravi Meena, who shared more interesting details about the rat snake. According to him, the snake is known by many names. Some call it “ghoda pachad”, some call it “Dhaman”. Ravi Meena explained: “In rural areas, people call it yellow snake in the local language. “The rat snake is also known as the friend of farmers because it feeds on mice.”

He also revealed that the rat snake can consume 15 to 25 mice a day and digest them easily. This is one of the main reasons why rats are called the farmer’s friend as they destroy crops and cause significant losses for farmers. Ravi added that the rat snake also plays a beneficial role in the environment.

One of its notable features is that it consumes other poisonous snakes. The rat snake can easily swallow even a krait, one of Asia’s most poisonous snakes. It can grow up to nine meters in length, which adds to its boldness.