In a daring move, a snake catcher from Chhattisgarh's Kanker district rode his bike 14km with the very snake that bit him wrapped around his neck to identify its venom.

Key Takeaways

  • Incident occurred in Pankajur village, Kanker district, Chhattisgarh.
  • Snake catcher Devjit Sarkar was bitten while attempting to catch a snake.
  • He carried the snake around his neck for 14km on a motorcycle to reach the hospital.
  • Medical examination confirmed the snake was non-venomous.

A breath-taking incident has emerged from the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, where a young man displayed extraordinary, albeit highly risky, courage. Devjit Sarkar, a resident of Pankajur village who has been working as a professional snake catcher for the past eight years, was bitten by a snake while performing his duties.

Rather than panicking, Devjit took a drastic step to ensure immediate identification of the species. He wrapped the snake around his neck and rode his motorcycle for 14 kilometers to reach the nearest medical facility, hoping the doctors could quickly determine if the snake was venomous.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that while the intent behind such actions—rapid species identification—is medically logical in remote areas, the physical execution is extremely perilous. In many rural parts of India, snake catchers act as the first line of defense between wildlife and human settlements, often working without professional safety gear.

Carrying a snake around the neck is an extreme risk; had the snake been highly venomous, the outcome could have been fatal within minutes.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Dr. Sanjeev Vaishnav and his medical team examined the reptile and confirmed that it was not a venomous species. The doctor noted that Devjit received timely treatment and is currently recovering well, but emphasized that such methods are never recommended for public safety.

Historical Background

Snake catching is a traditional yet vital occupation in many Indian states. These individuals play a crucial role in human-wildlife conflict mitigation, often relocating snakes from residential areas to safe forest habitats to prevent accidental bites.

Did You Know?: Most snakebite fatalities in India are caused by improper first aid or delayed medical attention rather than the venom itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to carry a snake to identify it?
No. It is highly dangerous. It is better to take a photo of the snake from a distance if possible.

2. What should one do after a snake bite?
Remain calm, minimize movement, and seek immediate medical attention at a hospital equipped with anti-venom.