Ranchi Snake Rescuer Saves Over 2,200 Reptiles in Two Decades of Dedicated Service
For more than twenty years, Vivekanand Kumar has been a beacon of hope for both humans and snakes in Ranchi, tirelessly rescuing reptiles from urban areas and releasing them safely into nearby forests. His remarkable journey, which began in 2003 when he was just 14 years old, has seen him respond to countless calls from residents reporting snake sightings, ultimately saving over 2,200 snakes to date. Now in his 30s, Vivekanand works as a zoo biologist at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park and is pursuing a PhD focused on Snakes: Diversity and Distribution in Jharkhand, blending his passion with professional expertise.
From Childhood Fascination to Lifelong Mission
Vivekanand's fascination with snakes ignited during his school days after encountering one in a biology lab. "When I saw a snake for the first time, I was completely fascinated," he recalls. "I started watching wildlife channels and developed a deep interest. As a child, I used to say I would become a snake scientist." This early curiosity evolved into a dedicated mission, driven by a desire to protect these often-misunderstood creatures. He emphasizes that not all snakes are venomous, and even venomous species are typically more afraid of humans than vice versa, attacking only when provoked.
Rescuing Diverse Species and Promoting Safety
Among the snakes Vivekanand has rescued are a variety of species, including:
- Non-venomous types such as the checkered keelback, rat snake, python, striped keelback, and common cat snake.
- Venomous ones like cobras, kraits, and Russell's vipers.
He operates entirely voluntarily, never charging for his rescues, and has built a network of snake rescuers across approximately 10 districts in Jharkhand. When calls come from outside Ranchi, he coordinates with this network to ensure timely responses. Beyond rescues, Vivekanand actively spreads awareness about snake behavior and safety measures. He advises residents to remain calm if they encounter a snake, avoid attacking or causing commotion, and instead take a photo to share with a rescuer for proper equipment preparation. "Throw a blanket or a heavy cloth over the snake so it feels well-hidden and does not slither around searching for a hiding place," he suggests.
Critical Advice for Snakebite Emergencies
In cases of snakebites, Vivekanand stresses the importance of immediate medical treatment. He provides clear guidelines:
- If a hospital is nearby, do not tie a cloth to stop blood circulation, as this can worsen the situation.
- If the hospital is far away, tie a crepe bandage or a broad cloth near the bitten area, ensuring it is not too tight to allow blood circulation.
His efforts highlight a crucial message: snakes play a vital role in ecosystems, and through education and compassionate action, humans can coexist safely with them. Vivekanand's work not only saves lives but also fosters a greater appreciation for wildlife conservation in urban settings.
