Udupi — A rare species of snake sparked concern among hotel guests and staff after it was spotted inside a hotel located within Manipal’s Canara Mall.
Panic set in as the elusive reptile remained hidden for hours, moving from one corner to another. Despite several attempts to locate it, the small snake continued to evade detection.
It took nearly five hours of searching before the reptile was finally found. The snake was later identified as Whitaker’s boa, a rarely seen, non-venomous species. Locally known in Kannada as Irtale Havu, Immande Havu, or Irba Ekkale, this snake is harmless and often mistaken for more dangerous types.
Reptile expert and wildlife rescuer Pranesh Parkala was called in to handle the situation. With careful effort, he successfully captured the snake and ensured it was safely handed over to the Forest Department.
Such sightings are uncommon, especially in urban areas like Manipal, but wildlife experts suggest that increasing urbanization and habitat loss could be pushing these creatures into human spaces.
Parkala also advised the public not to panic upon encountering such snakes and to immediately alert local forest or rescue officials instead of trying to manage the situation themselves.
The rescued boa is expected to be released back into a suitable natural habitat following standard forest department protocols.