Fake AI snake images hamper Hyderabad rescue operations, divert resources

Hyderabad-based Friends of Snakes Society (FoSS), a volunteer-run organisation that rescues reptiles, has reported a sharp rise in hoax distress calls accompanied by AI-generated images of snakes. The fabricated photographs, sent by pranksters or individuals seeking to avoid work, are diverting time, manpower and fuel away from genuine emergencies.

The organisation, which operates a 24/7 helpline, says such calls not only waste resources but also erode public trust in the rescue service. They also create unnecessary panic in neighbourhoods, a senior volunteer noted.

According to FoSS, the number of AI-generated images received has escalated since the beginning of this year. Until June-end, the team received about 5–10 such images a month. Now, they receive multiple AI-generated images every day, overloading the small group of volunteers.

Avinash Visvanathan, general secretary of the society, explained that they ask callers for photographs of the snake to assess the situation and decide which equipment is needed for the rescue. “We understand snakes are not always found in easily accessible areas where a photo can be clicked,” he said.

Despite strict screening, the volunteers do not dismiss callers outright. Mr. Visvanathan said that one common reason for using AI tools was when people genuinely spotted a snake, but it moved under furniture or into an inaccessible corner. In such cases, callers used AI to recreate an image resembling the snake they saw.

Another category of callers includes pranksters who generate images without any real knowledge of reptiles. “The snakes in such images are often exotic. The experience in rescuing the snakes, knowledge of existing fauna and its distribution help us in spotting AI-generated images,” Mr. Visvanathan said.

Volunteer Nikhil Gourishetty recounted an incident a few days ago when he received a call about an Andaman Bronzeback snake near a motorbike in Bandlaguda. He travelled over 20 kilometres to the location. After searching for over ten minutes, the team found no reptile. When questioned, the caller admitted to generating the picture “for fun”. Meanwhile, another person awaiting help in a different locality had to wait longer.

However, the presence of an exotic species is not enough to dismiss a call. In March 2024, FoSS rescued a green iguana perched on a mango tree in Dilsukhnagar, showing that unusual reptiles can sometimes appear in unexpected places.

To identify AI-generated images, the team checks for biological inconsistencies such as abnormal length, girth or other anatomical features. When visual inspection is inconclusive, they use AI-assisted image analysis tools. They also request additional photographs from different angles.

Mr. Visvanathan emphasised that fake wildlife emergencies have real-world consequences. “Rescuing snakes is an emergency service that protects both people and animals,” he said. He urged the public to use the helpline responsibly and refrain from generating false alarms.