Most snake rescues are not about danger — they are about fear, curiosity, and how we respond in the moment.
On 3 December, HEAL’s rescue team received a call from Chhatoa village, Tufanganj I (Cooch Behar, West Bengal). A large python had taken shelter high up in a tree near a temple.
As villagers gathered, some youngsters began disturbing the snake, putting both the animal and people at risk. Our team immediately coordinated with the Forest Department and reached the spot. The python—nearly invisible among the branches—was perched dangerously high. Attempts to scare it away with bamboo sticks had already stressed the animal.
Climbing a Tree to Rescue Burmese Python
With safety as the priority, team member Jagdish Das carefully climbed the tree while the ground team, led by Assistant Secretary, HEAL, Ardhendu Banik—guided the snake gently towards the lower branches.
Despite the risks of thin branches and sudden movement, the rescue was carried out calmly and without harm.
The snake was identified as a 9 ft 4 inch Burmese python. After a thorough injury check, it was safely released in a suitable habitat near Malganj, and forest officials were informed.
Is Burmese Python venomous?
Pythons are non-venomous and play a vital role in controlling rodent populations, helping maintain ecological balance.
Most snake rescues are not about removing “dangerous animals” but about reducing fear, misinformation, and conflict.
At HEAL, our snake rescue operations focus on:
• Rapid response during conflict situations
• Safe, stress-free rescues
• Public awareness and de-escalation
• Releasing snakes back into appropriate natural habitats
Because every rescue is also a lesson, our team guided villagers on how to respond to snake sightings—choosing awareness, safety, and coexistence over fear.
Zero-Tolerance From Snakebites
HEAL initiated the campaign ‘Zero Death from Snakebites’ as a response to the growing intolerance towards snakes.
Snakebite instances can be reduced and death and disability does not have to be certain.
With this aim, under the ‘Zero Death from Snakebites’ campaign, we conduct activities for various stakeholders to mitigate fear of snakes through empowering them with knowledge and ways to mitigate snakebites and deal better in case one happens.
To learn more about our mitigation efforts click – Mitigating human-snake conflict
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