A rare species of snake, locally known as “Chhapda” (Bamboo Pit Viper), was spotted in Nagpur on Thursday evening. Around 5:30 p.m., Bharatwada resident Vikas Tumsare noticed the snake entwined on a vine near his house and immediately informed snake rescuer Abhishek Rahangdale.
On receiving the call, members of the Wildlife Welfare Society, Abhishek Rahangdale and Akash Sonkule, rushed to the spot. Upon close examination, they identified it as a highly venomous Bamboo Pit Viper measuring about 2 to 2.5 feet in length. The snake was carefully rescued and later handed over to the Transit Treatment Centre. Experts confirmed that this is the first recorded sighting of this species in Nagpur.
According to snake researcher Nitish Bhandakkar of the Wildlife Welfare Society, the Bamboo Pit Viper is a forest-dwelling snake usually found in dense forests and shrubs. Belonging to the viper family, it is considered as venomous as the Russell’s viper (Ghons). The snake has a distinctive appearance—bright green on the upper side, yellowish on the underside, and a triangular-shaped head. Encounters with humans are rare as the species generally avoids human contact.
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