Snake handler sparks backlash after filming himself handling a 13-foot protected python

Footage from Dandeli, Karnataka, shows a snake handler being bitten while pursuing a nearly 13-foot Indian rock python, reviving questions about how wildlife rescues are carried out. 

Here's what to know

Deccan Herald reported that the video, recorded on October 2, shows snake handler Razak Shah pulling the python from a bush after it ate a hen, then pursuing it into a stream when the animal tried to escape.

The Indian rock python is protected as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Haliyal Deputy Conservator of Forests, Prashant Kumar, said this handling was not authorized. 

Wildlife activist Rahul Bavaji said, "We are not objecting to Razak rescuing snakes. However, in the name of snake rescue, he is manhandling snakes for likes and views on social media. Despite raising several complaints with senior officials, no action has been taken. Such stuntmen posing as snake rescuers have become necessary for the department to mitigate human-snake conflicts in Dandeli."

More background

Deccan Herald reported that Shah was bitten by a highly venomous Russell's viper, and that his YouTube channel contains multiple videos of him rescuing king cobras, cobras, and other snakes.

It was confirmed that Shah had helped with snake rescues in conflict areas. A reflection of an ongoing challenge in Dandeli, where snake diversity is high but trained staff to handle snake-human conflicts are lacking.

Wildlife conflicts often increase where human settlements, livestock, and animal habitat overlap. Oftentimes, it's not the animal being aggressive as much as reacting in self-defense.

What's being done?

Kumar said the local range forest officer summoned Shah and took a written undertaking that he would not repeat it.

On the department's own staffing, Kumar said, "We have provided several training programs and conducted workshops. But we cannot force our staff to handle king cobras and other venomous snakes."

Kumar said officials would review Razak's social media accounts and act if they concluded he had broken any rules.

Where can I learn more?

Here are more articles on the dangers tied to snake encounters, rescues, and close-contact handling.

• Across India, rising temperatures are driving more snakebite incidents and a looming health crisis.

• In the Florida Everglades, a remover grappled with a hissing Burmese python in the brush.

• Florida hunters hauled in a snake as long as a giraffe is tall.

• In widely shared footage, a snake reared up and struck at the camera repeatedly.

• In Dhaka, snakes frequently sneak into human settlements as urbanization squeezes habitat.

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