Mysore/Mysuru: City snake rescuer Mohammed Umar Shariff has rescued a half Albino Rat Snake on the outskirts of city recently. Following a call from a frightened resident, near Vidya Vikas College, close to the Outer Ring Road, Umar rushed to the spot and saw the 7 ft. long snake coiled behind a box and rescued it. The snake was released into its natural habitat later.

Albinism is caused due to mutation in genes which fails to produce Melanin, the colour pigment needed for skin, scales and eyes, says Umar. Albino snakes have a very difficult situation living in wild due to their bright colour and are easily attracted by predators like birds, mangoose etc.

Half Albino is where the snake has only partial albinism characteristics in it and doesn’t have full characteristics, like ‘Reddish Eyes, complete white and pinkish body, very sensitive skin etc., claims Umar.