In the forest-fringe villages of West Champaran along the India-Nepal border, 55-year-old Janaki Devi is widely recognized as the 'Snake Lady.' A resident of Bisaha village in the Valmiki Nagar region, she has spent more than four decades rescuing venomous snakes without charging any fee. Despite lacking formal education, Janaki has saved thousands of snakes, including cobras, king cobras, and pythons, earning praise from locals and forest officials alike.
Community Trust and Assistance
Whenever a snake enters a home in the area, residents either call Janaki or personally fetch her. Arriving on her bicycle, she safely captures the reptile and releases it into the forest. Her two sons have also learned the skill and now assist her in rescue operations.
Tajmun Khatoon, a resident of neighboring Charghariya village, highlighted Janaki's readiness to help. 'Didi is very brave and can catch any kind of snake. Whenever someone needs help, she arrives on her bicycle. Recently, a black cobra appeared near my house. I called Didi, and she caught it and released it into the forest,' she said.
Valmikinagar panchayat head Pannalal Sah commended her dedication to both people and wildlife. 'She protects both people and wildlife. She has saved many lives by catching large snakes. Risking her own life for social service without charging a fee is truly commendable,' Sah said.
A Lifelong Journey with Snakes
Janaki's remarkable journey began when she was just 12 years old. Since then, she claims to have been bitten by snakes more than 50 times. While most bites had little effect, she noted that bites on Tuesdays or Sundays sometimes create a sensation 'akin to intoxication.'
Her bond with snakes remains extraordinary. 'I have caught thousands of snakes,' she said. 'Whether it is a cobra, a king cobra, a python, or any other snake, they stop in front of me and begin to circle around me.'
Her work has helped spread awareness about snake conservation and reduced fear of reptiles across dozens of villages in the region.
Turning Down a Global Opportunity
Nearly a decade ago, her unusual story drew the attention of the Discovery Channel, which offered her a job. However, Janaki chose to remain in her village and continue serving her community after her family advised her against accepting the offer.
