Committed for a cause: Sedam snake catchers rescue 16,000 snakes

Two snake catchers, Nagesh (Nagu) and his aide Jagadish Puranik Yalal, in Karnataka's Sedam have saved about 16000 snakes till date. They have saved snakes including the Black Cobra, Rattlesnake, Spectacled Cobra and Krait. Both snake catchers rush to save the reptiles whenever they get a call all over the taluka.

Sedam (Karnataka): Two snake catchers have become talk of the town by saving 16,000 snakes. ‘Snake’ Nagesh (Nagu) and his aide Jagadish Puranik Yalal rush to the spot as soon as the residents call them after seeing snakes at their places all over the taluka.

Nagesh is into the rescue of the snakes for the last 28 years. Yalal joined him a few years back in this rescue act. Together, they have rescued 16,000 snakes so far, including the Black Cobra, Rattlesnake, Spectacled Cobra and Krait, quite a feat indeed! They do not rest till they rescue the poisonous creatures once they receive calls from the people. “We are committed to rescue the snakes,” they said proudly.

Nagesh said he learnt the rescue of snakes from his elder brother. Yalal took to the rescue act when he saw the people killing snakes. The snakes are released into the forest once they are rescued.

The residents appreciate Nagesh and Yalal wholeheartedly as they turn up at their places anytime to help them from snakes. They do not hesitate to rescue the snakes, even though it is a dangerous task and they do not even expect anything in return.

Nagesh and Yalal have created awareness on poisonous and non-poisonous snakes among the students at schools and colleges. They said they are not seeking any publicity for their work.

Nagesh said, “Snakes are like any other creatures in the nature. They are not man’s enemies. We should save the reptiles, not kill them.”

Yalal said people have more misconceptions about snakes than any other creatures. “There is a need to clear those misconceptions. Snakes attack humans to save their lives,” he added.

Nagesh can be reached at 9845613328, 9449130839 and Yalal at 9964944280.