Russell's vipers have been seen in Kalapara, Patuakhali, one in Baliatali union and one in Nalapara village of Dhulasar union.

Locals who saw the two snakes on Tuesday (25 June) morning called 333. The forest department then rescued them with the help of the environmental organisation Animal Lovers.

In Nalapara village of Dhulasar union, a Russell's viper was caught in a net at the home of Abdul Barek. A woman of the household named Rubina screamed when she saw the snake caught in the net in front of the door as she went to fetch firewood. Locals came forward, and on being informed, members of the Kalapara team of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali rescued the snake.

Md Sabuj, who lives in the same house, said: "The snake got caught at some point during the night on the path from the house up to the road. My mother saw it in the morning and called me. When the news spread, people crowded in. Then members of the Kalapara team of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali came and rescued it."

Arifur Rahman Shaon, a member of the Kuakata team of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali, said the two snakes would be given first aid and handed over to the forest department.

Advising people not to panic on seeing a snake, he said: "Anyone bitten by a snake is requested to go to a nearby government hospital. You can also inform members of the snake rescue team. Snakes are actually very useful for our biodiversity."

Abul Kalam Azad, Mohipur range officer of the forest department, said further steps on the two snakes would be taken on the instructions of higher authorities.

Earlier, on Monday (24 June) morning, locals killed a Russell's viper that had been caught in a net in Baultali village of Dhulasar union.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.