KULIM: The wet weather of late has seen snakes slithering out of their snug habitats seeking drier shelter, particularly in residents' homes.
Kulim district civil defence (APM) officer Captain (R) Amirul Aliff Ahmad said in the last one month alone, his personnel had captured 59 snakes of various species that had entered the homes of residents in this district here.
He said among the reptiles captured were pythons, king cobras and monocled cobra species.
"The most recent capture is a 4m-long cobra yesterday at a resident's house in Taman Sepilai, near here.
"The 10kg cobra was captured by our men using special equipment, even though the reptile was aggressive," he said, adding that the reptile would be handed over to the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan).
He said snakes would usually seek damp and covered places, and hide in bathrooms, toilets, near house fencing, under the mattress, kitchen or beneath cushions.
"The public has been advised not to strike snakes that enter their homes as the reptiles might pose a threat to their safety."
Amirul said snakes would attack when they feel threatened, and cause injuries and even death.
"It is best to contact the Fire and Rescue Department as our men are trained and skilled in capturing snakes.
"Since the beginning of the year, more than 300 snakes of various species had been snared by Kulim APM as the district has many forested areas."