THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, March 22: A highly venomous Russell’s viper was rescued from the Bareysarn bus stand in Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), Latehar district, marking the third snake sighting in the area within four days.
According to Forester-in-Charge Paramjeet Tiwary, the snake—known for its haemotoxic and neurotoxic venom—was spotted around 8:15 pm when the area was relatively deserted. The reptile was estimated to weigh about 2.5 kg and measured just over three feet in length.
No injuries were reported, and the snake was neither harmed nor provoked.
A forest team comprising Paramjeet Tiwary, Mukesh Ojha (Latu Beat), wildlife photographer Shera Kumar, and tracker Aman Gupta safely rescued the snake and released it into a distant forest the same night.
Rising Snake Sightings in Bareysarn
The Bareysarn range has reported three snake encounters in four days, including a copper-headed trinket snake and an Indian gamma (common cat snake) found earlier, one of them inside a government high school before it moved out on its own.
Growing Awareness Among Locals
Forest officials say there is a significant behavioural shift among residents, who now inform authorities instead of killing snakes. Rapid response by forest teams has strengthened public trust and human-wildlife coexistence in PTR.
Deputy Director (South Division), Kumar Ashish, said:
“Snakes are now being given a second chance, even in human-dominated areas. People alert our teams, and our prompt response has built confidence.”
Officials noted that a decade ago, snakes found in residential or public places were often killed. Today, increased awareness and conservation efforts are helping ensure safer outcomes for both humans and wildlife.