REPTILE RESORT?: Osmania University main library where snakes are having a field day. — Photo: P. V. Sivakumar

HYDERABAD: It's not just students who find the environs of Osmania University main library cosy. Even snakes are finding it too tempting to resist.

The reptiles, these days, are making frequent `appearances' in the otherwise serene environs of the library.

In the last six months, staff and students had to face the slithering creatures on four occasions. The recent encounter was when a rat snake `decided' to enter the library premises forcing students and officials run helter-skelter.

"Sometimes they just come and settle down behind the huge bookshelves. It's disconcerting and frightening to face them while you are searching for a book," says PG student P. Ramesh.

Vast green cover around the premises and absence of protective meshing for the windows have made it easy for the snakes to enter, it is said. "The three earlier visits by snakes were dreadful for everybody here as library staff did not have access to a snake charmer. They called up Zoology Department officials, but it was of no use," says engineering student T. Sainath.

Later, Zoology Department officials roped in biologist C. Srinivasulu to catch a snake from the library premises.

Call for wire mesh

"Installing a wire mesh on the windows should check this problem. Students need not worry because most of the snakes are harmless," says Mr. Srinivasulu.

"We have requested the higher-ups to take up the mesh work to prevent the reptiles from entering the premises. We are also trying to find a professional who can handle snakes during emergency situations," says Librarian V. Revathi.

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